This December, a coalition of Black faith leaders and farmers distributed more than 400 boxes of fresh, locally-grown produce to underserved communities in the Triad area of North Carolina. The group aimed to increase access to nutritious food options for those struggling with food insecurity during the 2023 holiday season.
The Triad Black Faith Leaders partnered with the Black Farmers Network and the
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Guilford County Center to make the effort possible.Farmer Charles Lucas, a Vietnam veteran, supplied more than 150 boxes filled with North Carolina-grown produce to be given out at community centers and schools between December 13 and December 20.
“Every town has a food desert, and we need to supply them with fresh vegetables,” Lucas stated. The farmer identified a sense of purpose in supplying the community with such an essential need. “It’s such a good feeling to be able to do that for people,” he said.
The faith leaders formed a coalition with the farmers’ group to help disadvantaged communities obtain healthy food without worrying about cost as a barrier. “Today was an awesome opportunity to support our community and for people who need food
and healthy food options for the holidays,” remarked Rev. Phanta Lansden, St. James Presbyterian Church pastor. “We’re excited to be in our community and make a huge difference,” Lansden added.Roughly 10% of North Carolina’s population struggles with food insecurity, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services — this effort aimed to address this need during the holiday season. As Lucas stated, “It’s such a good feeling to be able to do that for people,” the news outlet reported.
Guilford County in North Carolina provides a webpage and Food Finder app to help others in the state access food resources nearby.