Lowcountry resident Courtney Smith (right) receives AMOR Healing Kitchen’s 100,000th meal from volunteer “delivery angel” Sue Plaza (left), marking a major milestone in the nonprofit’s mission to nourish community members facing serious health challenges.
AMOR Healing Kitchen reached a remarkable milestone this month when it delivered its 100,000th plant-based meal to a Lowcountry community member facing a serious health challenge. The milestone marks seven years of nourishing bodies and spirits through food made with love, as well as the launch of a new fundraising campaign designed to raise $100,000 to fund the next 100,000 meals.
The campaign invites individuals, families, and businesses to “feed it forward” by joining the $100K Challenge at any giving level — from monthly contributions to one-time gifts — to help the organization raise $100,000 by year’s end. Every dollar will help AMOR nourish neighbors facing critical health challenges with delicious, plant-based meals made with love and rooted in community.
“This milestone is a celebration of every life we’ve touched and thousands of moments of care and connection,” said Maria Kelly, founder and executive director of AMOR Healing Kitchen. “Every meal we deliver is a message of hope, and every dollar raised through the $100K Challenge helps us continue that ripple of healing throughout the Lowcountry.”
Founded in 2018, AMOR Healing Kitchen provides nourishing, locally sourced, plant-based meals to people battling cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious illnesses — 80% of whom receive meals free of charge. Each meal is prepared from scratch by local teen volunteers, known as “teen chefs,” who gain valuable culinary, teamwork, and leadership skills while serving their community.
The $100K Challenge: Feed It Forward
Through the $100K Challenge campaign, AMOR invites the community to “feed it forward” by joining at multiple giving levels — starting at $35, which covers a full week of nourishment.
Funds raised will help AMOR expand its reach in the Lowcountry and launch Charleston’s first medically tailored meal program, providing evidence-based nutrition for people living with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.
“With every meal, we’re nourishing health and hope,” Kelly said. “The 100,000th meal isn’t the finish line — it’s proof of what’s possible when a community comes together around compassion, good food, and love.”
To learn more or join the $100K Challenge, visit https://givebutter.com/100kChallenge.