Fresh produce — a powerhouse of nutrition.
We live and work in an area rich in agriculture, producing millions of pounds of food every year. An estimated 44 million pounds of local produce goes unharvested annually — food we work hard to rescue.
Perfectly imperfect produce.
2022 was a milestone year for the Food Bank of the Albemarle: they distributed 8 million pounds of food across their 15-county service area, including 4 million pounds of produce — the first time fresh produce hit 50% of distribution in their 40-year history.
Sweet and white potatoes, cabbage, watermelon, apples, green beans, and corn flow regularly through the network — and into the hands of Bertie County families through our monthly distributions.
Nearly 90% of us miss the vegetable mark.
According to the USDA's Dietary Guidelines, nearly 90% of Americans don't meet the recommendation for vegetables, and about 80% don't meet it for fruit. A balanced diet includes vegetables from all five subgroups — fresh, frozen, canned, or dried.
"Eating fruits and vegetables decreases our risk of heart disease and cancer, but the latest research shows more immediate benefits too — improving mood, reducing joint pain, and boosting brain power. Try to include at least one with each meal and snack."
Happy, Healthy, Smart — our nutrition manual.
Our intern Patriska L. Richard (North Carolina Central University) created this nutritional manual full of healthy facts to help our community get the nutrients they need every day.
Healthy food, every month.
Your gift powers our monthly produce distributions.