In the weeks following Helene, A-B Tech alum Roman Nourse took the words “food runner” to a new level. The energetic sous chef, who works at Givens Estate, put his culinary and project management skills to use by acting as a volunteer chef, project manager, and delivery driver for organizations providing food to those in need.
Nourse, who graduated from the Culinary Arts program in 2023, was recently awarded the “You Make a Difference” award, which is given to a student who demonstrates the desire to give back to their community by helping others. Dr. Gossett, during the awards ceremony, said, “Roman’s volunteer hours after the storm were remarkable. Wherever there was a need, Roman was there to lend a hand. A great chef and genuinely good man.” Nourse took some time out to talk to us recently about his work.
What did you do to help out after Helene?
At the start of Helene, I realized my family and I were safe and had what we needed to get by… After that, I volunteered at World Central Kitchen’s Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ’s downtown location. We sent out thousands of meals in a day. I also worked with an organization called Cornbread and Roses and used it as a base for supply pickups, drop-offs, and networking between other organizations to gather resources for those who needed them.
I was receiving requests via social media, personal messages, or word of mouth, then picking and dropping off supplies for Manna, Beloved Asheville, NanoStead, and many more across WNC. I drove between 200-250 miles a day all around WNC, transporting supplies along washed-out roads to places that were difficult to reach.
Do you have a memory or a meaningful moment from this time that stands out?
The most meaningful moment for me was seeing the first set of tanker trucks drive through downtown (Asheville) with potable water. People were cheering, honking horns, and celebrating the first delivery of safe water…
What motivated you to do such hard work during such a difficult time?
I tried to help in any way possible for the WNC community. It’s the only home I’ve ever known, and I had the skills and resources to do the best I could. There were many, many more people involved who allowed me to do all of it. For them, I am very grateful. I closely witnessed this mountain community come together and share their love for our mountain home in a vulnerable moment.
