Shannon Spencer
Rev. Shannon Spencer is an ordained UCC pastor. She is the founder and Director of Asheville Poverty Initiative (API) and also serves as a chaplain at Swannanoa Correctional Facility for Women. Most recently API created a community cafe, 12 Baskets, that uses 100% rescued already prepared food from local agencies. This Cafe serves as a container for conversations – a place everyone can come and eat free of charge and be reminded of their worth and purpose in this world! Shannon is mom to two beautiful daughters. She loves to travel, garden, and have deep conversations around a fire. She can’t sing a lick but loves to try.

Panel: Cafes Where All Are Fed
Our two panelists, who both run cafes for those without resources for food, will discuss how shared food and community is a conduit to building relationship and finding healing — for those cooking, serving and eating together. Each of these communities emphasizes the dignity of all and focuses on how we can share our lives through food, work, and life stories. They will share the experience of creating and running cafes for all — where all are welcome and all are fed.