The Just Food Project provides opportunities to address food insecurity in eastern rural North Carolina. It directly meets some of this need through the use of our land: 6-acres of which we intentionally use to farm fruit, vegetable, herb garden and orchard that serves low-wealth families through a produce distribution stream (and sometimes a Farmers Market).
The goal of our Just Food Project is to address hunger and food insecurity in the counties surrounding FCAB by growing, producing and distributing fresh vegetables and fruits to local families (at this time – PARTICULARLY) those impacted by COVID-19. In addition, this program is providing educational opportunities in food preparation and preservation.
During the Summer of 2020 our Collaboration with Halifax County Schools’ Greenleaf Farm Project and their student farmers:
– 324,420 Servings (81,105 lbs or 40.55 tons) –
- Free & Farm Fresh: Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Cantaloupes, Corn, Onions, Peas, Spaghetti Squash, Watermelons, Zucchini
- Counties Served: Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax, Nash & North Hampton
- Towns & Communities Served: Enfield, Battleboro, Bloomer Hill Community, Bricks Community, Garrisburg, Halifax, Jackson, Leggett, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Seaboard, Tillery, Weldon, Whitakers, Whitakers Rural Health Center
Franklinton Center at Bricks as an educational farm is part of the history of the site coming out of its roots as an accredited school for those who had come out of the history of enslavement – the Joseph Keasby Brick Agricultural, Industrial, and Normal School. While the history of the land as a formal farm begins with slavery, it became an educational institution for those who had suffered systemic oppression. Our land has fed many local community members throughout its history. And, when we are open as a Social Justice Conference & Retreat Center, Franklinton Center at Bricks, Inc. has maintained an A+ for our ServeSafe capabilities.
Our Fall Garden will be nurtured by Mr. Cleevester, who returns to this soil after a time of healing. Yes, yall! Our Master Gardner has returned to this soil! The crops are fast growing, and we are excited to see how we will be able to continue to support our local community.
Thus far, the Orchard has yielded:
– 70 bushels or 5,250 lbs (2.63 tons) –
- Free & Orchard Fresh: Pears, Peaches, Apples
- Counties Served: Edgecombe, Halifax & Nash
Thank you to Blueprint NC and The United Church of Christ for their contributions to this initiative. Produce will be used to feed community residents during the summer, fall and even into the winter months.
If you are interested in helping to distribute foods in the local community, please reach out to Elly Mendez Angulo, Program Manager (ellyfcab @ gmail.com).