Right now, our farmers need our support more than ever.

For the last two years, The Produce Box has been a consistent high-volume buyer for dozens of small NC farms, sourcing 100% local produce for our participation in the FarmShare grant program. We delivered 150–300 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables each week to community partners like Holly Springs Food Cupboard and Layden Memorial Church, ensuring families, seniors, and children facing food insecurity had access to nutritious, locally grown produce straight from NC farms.

Two weeks ago, we were told to stop those deliveries immediately because the USDA froze grant reimbursements. Overnight, that lifeline disappeared—for our farmers and for the communities who rely on these boxes.

With the remaining 2024 reimbursements in flux, and the USDA announcing cancellation of $1 billion in Local Food Purchase Assistance Programs for 2025, many small farms who crop planned for these LFPA programs are left scrambling.

For the next month, we'll be highlighting some of our farm partners most impacted by this sudden funding cut. The best way to support them? Add their produce to your box this week in support of North Carolina's resilient, local food system.

Meet Coastal Plains Produce

Coastal Plains Produce in Grifton, NC is run by fourth generation farmer Jedd Koehn. Jedd grew up working long days in the summer heat with his grandfather. He was convinced a better way existed to make a living rather than the continual intense labor of outdoor farming, and so pivoted to greenhouse hydroponic production.

Now, Coastal Plains provides us with a variety of specialty pesticide-free greens year-round. New to the menu this week? Peppery, crisp watercress, perfect for adding a fresh bite to salads, sandwiches, and soups.

Meet Herbie Cottle

Herbie has been our most consistent local organic supplier for years, both for the menu and the FarmShare program. He grows a variety of crops on his family farm in Rose Hill, NC that’s been in operation since 1912. He was one of the first farmers in Duplin County to convert to organic growing and is a local leader in the organic movement.

Shop these farmers’ produce a la carte, or purchase a curated box like the Harvest Box to support both Herbie and Jedd in one box!