Officially incorporated in January of 1982, the Hunger and Health Coalition began as a labor of love attempting to serve our local neighbors in need. Joan Chater, of Blowing Rock, discussed with local ministers about the increasing requests in our community for food. Joan and a group of friends began offering food to local families in need from a Boone United Methodist Church closet. The organization relocated to Depot Street in 1984.
After the Hunger and Health Coalition began to grow out of the small closet and the Depot Street building, the organization relocated to King Street in 1989. Despite the disruption, 1989 was a banner year for our organization. Alongside the creation of several programs, the Coalition began to run a free health clinic, staffed by physicians who volunteered with the Health Department. The annual Thanksgiving Dinner and the Sharing Tree Programs were also created this same year.