WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT

As a 501(C3) non-profit, Chow Chow Asheville is founded by a group of community-committed volunteers who believe in the unique connections between makers of all kinds—particularly as they gather in celebration of our creative food culture in Southern Appalachia.

We Believe...

• In the power and vitality of the creative makers in our community
• In the culture and traditions of our food and agricultural heritage
• In the critical understanding and appreciation of our local food sources
• In the integrity of the many diverse hands joining around our table
• In the interdependency we share
• In maximizing the benefits of celebration through giving back
• In minimizing any negative impact on the environment
• In collaborating in support of one another
• In elevating and galvanizing the creative economy in Asheville
• In the food-related narratives that sustain jobs and businesses
• In the meaningful expression of what makes our corner of Appalachia unlike anywhere else in the world
• In the magic of immersive experiences that broadens our awareness and heightens our understanding of one another
• In the vital work of our partner, MANNA FoodBank, and raising awareness around the reduction of food insecurity and food waste in our community

Goals of the Festival

Inclusivity

With this signature event, we want to highlight the diversity of our culinary landscape. This includes initiatives to highlight all aspects of the supply chain - from farmer to maker, mixologist to chef, brewer to baker, artist to potter.

We will feature the diversity of our food, from our traditional Appalachian roots to modern takes on historic foods and culture of the region, to the ways immigrants and various ethnic backgrounds influence our cuisine.

We will offer high-quality programming designed to feature Asheville and offer a completely unique experience.  We also want this event to be accessible to all in our local community, so in addition to high-end, luxury experiences, we’ll include programming that is more affordable.

Community Wellness

Access to affordable and healthy food and reducing food waste are important initiatives of the signature event’s charitable giving goals. We are partnering with MANNA FoodBank to shine a light on their initiatives to ending hunger and raise money to further their goals. We will provide programming and education that focuses on access to affordable and healthy foods, supported by cooking demonstrations and farmer/chef initiatives. With the help of MANNA we will also capture unused food product at the festival and redirect it to those in need.

Lessening Our Environmental Impact

To align with the goals and the values that are important to our community, we are focused on reducing the environmental impact of our festival.  We are partnering with Danny’s Dumpsters to maximize composting. And as described in our charitable goals, our partnership with MANNA FoodBank and Food Connection will allow us to capture food that would typically be wasted and redirect it to communities and people in need.

Celebrating Asheville

The star of this festival is Asheville. While a cadre of guest chefs and makers will be a part of Chow Chow, the focus will be to shine a light on what makes our community special. We will feature aspects of our natural beauty, outdoor recreation, green spaces, and our edible landscapes. We’ll promote our clean water and our local food ecosystem. Asheville is an amazing entrepreneurial community and a locally-focused economy. We will celebrate the diverse and eclectic local businesses that reflect Asheville.

The festival also provides an environment for local makers and other residents to connect with each other to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for the creative sector that characterizes our community. It provides sustainability to this sector.

Economic Impact and City Support

This festival will be supported by our non-profit organization and staffed by a volunteer board of committed and passionate local business people.  Chow Chow will partner with our local City and County governments, whose goals align with our own. 

This festival will have a significant economic impact for the residents and businesses of this community. Attendee spending will provide wages, business revenue, and taxes that provide services to citizens. It will increase revenue for a wide variety of businesses including farms, restaurants, artists, craft producers, craft beverage makers, musicians, venues, event suppliers, transportation, insurance, professional services, rentals, etc.  Through sponsorship we will garner the attention of regional and national corporations, encouraging and attracting investment. Our goal is that the event will attract national media attention which will help continue to tell the Asheville story, enhancing economic development opportunities of every kind.