Big Elm Ministries recently received more than 400 pounds of fresh produce through a partnership between Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and Correll Farms, helping provide healthy food to families and individuals in need.
The donation included 90 boxes of fresh produce purchased through grant funding secured by Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. The food was provided at no cost to Big Elm Ministries' food pantry, expanding access to nutritious fruits and vegetables for those the ministry serves.
Joel Whittington, David Correll, Craig Waller and Rick Flynn stack the boxes as they are unloaded at Big Elm.
According to Big Elm Ministries, the fresh produce will benefit many of the community's most vulnerable residents, including seniors, veterans and people from diverse backgrounds who rely on the pantry for assistance. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often among the most difficult foods for food pantries to obtain, making the donation especially valuable.
People are also reading…
Big Elm volunteers unload a truck.
The produce came from Correll Farms in Cleveland, North Carolina, a longtime partner of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. The family-owned farm is operated by David and Cheryl Correll, with their children, Josie and Talton, representing the sixth generation of the Correll family to live and work on the land.
Correll Farms grows more than 100 varieties of vegetables, along with several types of potatoes, melons and tomatoes, supplying fresh, locally grown produce to communities across the region.
Big Elm Ministries credited Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina's grant-funded program and partnership with local farmers for making the donation possible. The ministry said the collaboration helps ensure that clients have access to fresh, nutritious foods that are often lacking in the diets of people experiencing food insecurity.
Mary Valligny, Doan Day, Joel Whittington, Rebecca Barnes, David Correll, Craig Waller, Lisa Flynn and Rick Flynn are shown with 400 pounds of produce.
Officials said the effort highlights how partnerships among local farms, food banks and community organizations can improve access to healthy food while strengthening support for neighbors in need throughout the region.
