Asheville, North Carolina – On October 25, 2024, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made a special visit to Asheville, North Carolina to witness the ongoing relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Secretary met with local, state, and Tribal officials, emergency managers, food bank staff and volunteers, and impacted producers to gain a firsthand understanding of the situation and to highlight the resources available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid in the recovery process.
The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene has left the Tarheel State in a state of distress, with many communities and families struggling to rebuild their lives. However, amidst the destruction and chaos, there is a glimmer of hope as the USDA steps in to provide much-needed assistance to those affected by the natural disaster.
During his visit, Secretary Vilsack expressed his deep concern for the affected communities and assured them that the USDA is committed to helping them recover and rebuild. He emphasized the importance of working together as a community and utilizing the resources available to overcome this difficult time.
One of the key areas of focus for the USDA is providing support to producers who have been severely impacted by the hurricane. Secretary Vilsack acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers in the region and assured them that the USDA is working tirelessly to provide them with the necessary resources and assistance to get back on their feet.
In addition to supporting producers, the USDA is also providing aid to families and communities in need. Secretary Vilsack highlighted the various programs and resources available, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), to help families put food on the table during these difficult times. He also praised the efforts of food bank staff and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to distribute food and supplies to those in need.
The Secretary also took the opportunity to meet with emergency managers and officials to discuss the ongoing relief efforts and to offer the USDA’s support in any way possible. He stressed the importance of effective coordination and communication between all parties involved in the recovery process to ensure that the needs of the affected communities are met.
During his visit, Secretary Vilsack also met with Tribal officials to discuss the impact of the hurricane on their communities. He recognized the unique challenges faced by Tribal communities and assured them that the USDA is committed to providing them with the necessary resources and support to aid in their recovery.
Asheville, North Carolina has shown incredible resilience in the face of this natural disaster, and Secretary Vilsack commended the efforts of the local community in coming together to support each other during this difficult time. He urged everyone to continue working together and to remain positive as they rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
In conclusion, Secretary Vilsack’s visit to Asheville, North Carolina has shed light on the ongoing relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The USDA’s commitment to supporting producers, families, and communities in the Tarheel State is a testament to their dedication to helping those in need. As the recovery process continues, it is important to remember that we are stronger together and with the support of the USDA, we will overcome this challenge and emerge even stronger.
