According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 10.9% of residents across the state experience food insecurity. In Northeastern North Carolina, the rates are even more concerning. In Chowan, Gates, and Perquimans counties, food insecurity affects 16.7%, 14.3%, and 15.5% of the population, respectively (Map the Meal Gap, 2024). These high rates are often closely linked to elevated poverty and unemployment levels in the region. Individuals facing food insecurity frequently have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables (Mayer, 2014).

The Chowan County Food Pantry, Open Door Food Pantry, and several other local outreach programs work to support food-insecure residents across Chowan, Gates, and Perquimans counties through weekly food distributions. To further support these efforts, the horticulture agent, along with Extension Master Gardener Volunteers from all three counties, researched easy-to-grow summer vegetable cultivars suitable for home gardens. Using this information, they assembled and distributed more than 500 “Grow to Eat” packets during regular food pantry distribution days. Each packet included seeds, a grow bag, and step-by-step instructions for growing vegetables and herbs such as zucchini, green beans, basil, tomatoes, and squash. The packets also contained information about North Carolina Cooperative Extension, including how residents could contact their local Extension office for gardening assistance, nutritional information and recipes, and additional community resources.

As a result of this program, more than 550 "Grow to Eat" gardening supply packets were distributed to residents of Chowan, Gates, and Perquimans counties. Since many of these packets went to households with multiple members, the overall reach extended well beyond 400 individuals. Each packet included information about North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the wide range of services we offer to all residents, regardless of socio-economic status. Resources provided highlighted our research-based programs in gardening, food and nutrition, youth development, and more. This initiative also created opportunities for continued engagement—many participants reached out for additional technical assistance, which led to broader conversations about gardening. These interactions demonstrated the program’s greater impact: empowering individuals and families to grow their own food and fostering trusting connections with Cooperative Extension.

Objective: Consumer Horticulture

County: Chowan

Employee: Kellie Binnicker