Robeson County has one of the highest food insecurity rates in North Carolina, reported at 28.4% in 2025—nearly double the state average of 15.4%. Approximately 21.9% of the population (over 25,500 people) lacks consistent access to fresh, local meals. As of 2022, 41.9% of adults in Robeson County were classified as obese, a significant contributor to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. March is the celebration for National Nutrition Month with the theme in 2026 of "Discover the Power of Nutrition."
Members of the WIC section of the Robeson County Health Department decided to hold a nutrition education event and invited NC Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center to attend with the NC A&T University Blender Bike, to offer a fun way to talk about exercise and nutrition. Extension employees also took more than a half dozen healthy recipes with them and talked with participants about adjusting diets slowly to allow for healthier options than how they traditionally prepare foods.
Approximately 2500 people work for Robeson County Government. More than 750 employees attended the National Nutrition Month Event. During the 4 hour event, 10 people rode on the blender bike making strawberry smoothies. More than 230 smoothie samples were given out and 800 recipe cards were distributed. Through oral evaluation, 75% of the people who sampled said they would make smoothies at home as it would help them with their morning routine and give them extra more time to exercise. Of the remaining folks who picked up recipe cards, they noticed healthy tweaks to familiar recipes and more than 50% said they would try these recipes at home. Extension also promoted the use of local foods to help support the local economy. Employees in Robeson County gained practical ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets, increase physical activity, and support the local foods system while improving their health. Participating in events like this helps the county promote a healthy workforce that is a more productive workforce. Do to the educational value of this program, we will continue to partner with the county to support National Nutrition Month.
