A major retailer unveiled an unprecedented holiday assistance program in Western North Carolina, hiring storm-affected restaurants to provide Thanksgiving meals for thousands of mountain region families.

Lowe’s Home Improvement organized meal distributions at six locations, planning to serve 3,000 households while generating revenue for local eateries still reeling from recent weather impacts.

The timing provides crucial support for restaurants that lost significant business when safety concerns discouraged tourism in the Asheville area during their typically profitable season.

Local establishments, many operating under challenging conditions including extended water outages and property damage, received contracts to prepare family-style holiday meals.

The Marion store witnessed substantial community engagement, as residents arrived hours early to secure their meals, highlighting significant local demand for the program.

Brian Stouz, representing Swannanoa’s Zella’s Deli & Restaurant, emphasized how the partnership helps offset losses from reduced tourism during their usually busy period.

This creative solution showcases how businesses can develop programs addressing multiple community needs simultaneously during recovery periods.