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Food Bank of the Albemarle distributed 215,193 pounds of food across northeastern North Carolina during the week ending July 18, Liz Reasoner, executive director, reported.

“Thank you to all of our local growers who donate hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh produce each year to help feed their communities,” she added. The fresh produce distributed amounted to 109,146 pounds that same week.

“Thanks to our incredible local farmers, growers, and packers, we have an abundance of fresh produce making its way to the plates of hungry people in northeastern North Carolina,” Reasoner explained. “We are incredibly grateful to all of our local donors. Thank you!”

Donors included Pigs Plus Farm, plus corn and produce from Virginia Fork Farms, potatoes from Warren Meads Farms, watermelons donated by Beech Fork Farms, and cabbage donated by Charles Grey Farms.

Reasoner also reported that Food Bank of the Albemarle’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, once food stamps) outreach has seen a steady increase as more and more people are seeking this critical benefit.

“We have staff members that can assist anyone that needs to know more or apply for these benefits,” she said, adding that Food Bank FNS outreach attributed to 6,115 FNS meals for June.

Reasoner also reported that 11,600 pounds of Farmers to Families cheese boxes were distributed July 14-17 in Dare, Bertie, Martin, Beaufort, Perquimans, and Hertford counties.

Also, 50,400 pounds of Farmers to Families produce boxes were distributed July 14-18 in Beaufort, Tyrrell, Gates, Perquimans, Bertie, Hertford, Martin, Washington, and Northampton counties.

“Approximately 52,900 indivduals and families across northeastern North Carolina are facing food insecurity this very day,” Reasoner said. “We work with 100 hunger-relief partners across 15 counties to provide food every day, so we also appreciate your financial donations at this time, as they help us stay nimble and purchase what we need.”

Food Bank of the Albemarle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating hunger in our region. The address is 109 Tidewater Way, Elizabeth City, NC 27909; phone 252-335-4035.