Former WNBA Star Returns to Asheville to Tackle Food Insecurity
In a heartwarming return to her roots, Rhonda Mapp, a former professional basketball player, steps up to combat food insecurity in Asheville. Known for her prowess on the basketball court, Mapp now channels her energy into community service, using her platform to support those in need.
Rhonda Mapp first honed her basketball skills in Montford, playing against boys at the local rec center. Her talent took her to NC State, where she enjoyed a successful college career, and later to the WNBA, where she was a first-round draft pick for the Charlotte Sting. Mapp also celebrated a championship victory with the 2002 Los Angeles Sparks.
Having settled in Charlotte post-retirement, Mapp has felt compelled to reconnect with her Asheville roots by addressing food insecurity. During the pre-Thanksgiving weekend, she distributed hundreds of turkeys through her “Racing to Feed America” initiative. The event featured hot meals, live music, and appearances by other professional athletes, including fellow former WNBA players Tracy Reid and Kym Hampton.
“I love it because it brings unity. It brings fellowship and it just brings positive vibes,” Mapp remarked at the event. “Giving back to the community is my purpose. That’s what makes me feel whole as a person.”
The timing of Mapp’s initiative is crucial as grocery prices have surged by 29% over the past five years. Western North Carolina, already grappling with widespread hunger, faces heightened demand on food banks, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and diminishing federal aid.
Among those benefiting from the event was Andrea Jiles, who, along with her son Samuel, received two large Butterball turkeys. Preparing a meal for six amid rising grocery costs has been challenging, she noted. The gift of turkeys alleviates some of the financial strain, with Samuel planning to grill one turkey while Andrea prepares traditional sides from scratch. The second turkey will be saved for their Christmas dinner.
Tracy Reid, Mapp’s former teammate, praised her dedication to helping others. “Everybody always talks about how athletes are competitive, but Ronda has this spirit about her where she’s always striving for something greater,” Reid said. “She’s always had this motherly feel about her.”
Kim Acree, a single mother of four, also expressed gratitude for the event. Working two jobs, she managed to attend before starting a shift. Mapp’s annual visit is “a blessing,” Acree stated, adding, “For her to take the time out and to do this for the people, the community and just show that, you know, she cares and to bless everyone. Everyone should be thankful.”
