Rooted Harvest Boxes launches to expand local food access, support area farmers

ASHEBORO — Rooted Harvest Boxes, a new pilot food access program operated through the Randolph County Food Hub, is connecting families in Randolph County with weekly boxes of fresh, locally produced food while generating direct revenue for area farmers and food producers. 

The program is now seeking individuals, businesses and organizations ready to help it grow into a permanent community resource. 

The Randolph County Food Hub is operated by NC Rooted Community Agriculture, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on strengthening local farms, connecting producers with the community and expanding access to fresh, locally grown food. 

The Rooted Harvest Boxes program was created to continue their mission to those with food insecurity. 

Participants are identified through trusted community partners, including the Asheboro Housing Authority and the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, which work directly with families who could benefit from greater access to fresh, nutritious food.

Each week, participants receive a curated box of locally raised meat, eggs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, bread and other items — purchased directly from local farmers and producers. Every box includes a simple recipe card and a “Meet Your Farmer” insert highlighting the people behind the food.

Three of the participating families shared what the Rooted Harvest Boxes meant to them when they picked up this week: 

■ “I really like how one of the week’s recipe card gave me a few ideas on how to make more than one meal out of the box (One Chicken, Three Meals). That was nice that it gave me a few ideas and choices.” 

■ “Up until recently, our family would not have had access to fresh produce. Things are expensive at the grocery store and we can only get the basics. The boxes get my kids to try things they may not have ever had. My daughter was really excited about the zucchini. I like knowing where everything is coming from, and I have kept all of the recipe cards from each week. The peaches were so good. I don’t even like peaches, but they were great!” 

■ “I really like the recipe cards. Sometimes there are items in the boxes that I am not familiar with or know how to cook. I follow what the card says to do and it always turns out great. I really like that.” 

The pilot was made possible through grants from the Community Foundation of Randolph County and the Kiwanis Club of Asheboro. Their investment has supported early program development, community partnerships and planning for a sustainable longterm model. 

Recently, the program also received a grant from the Clay and Wavie Presnell Foundation for a new program that is still in the works. More information to come.

The need, however, extends well beyond this initial pilot. 

Families throughout Randolph County lack consistent access to fresh food, while small farmers need strong, dependable local markets. Rooted Harvest Boxes address both challenges simultaneously: Every dollar used to fill a box provides food to a neighbor in need and a direct sale to a local grower or producer. 

“We want people not only to receive local food, but to know how to prepare it and to learn about the farmers who grew, raised or made it,” said Lindsey Poe, farmer and founder of NCRCA. “This is about nourishing our community and strengthening our local food economy at the same time.” 

The program’s goal is to grow beyond the pilot phase and become a permanent fixture in Randolph County. Achieving that will require continued awareness, new community partnerships, and financial support from individuals and businesses who share a commitment to local food access and local agriculture. 

How to get involved 

Individuals, businesses and organizations have the opportunity to support Rooted Harvest Boxes — through sponsorship, partnership or financial contribution by visiting www.ncrooted.org. Look for Rooted Harvest Boxes under Programs to select “Support Rooted Harvest Boxes”.