Feast Down East: A True Taste of Wilmington

Finding locally sourced groceries in an industry that is consumed with ultra-processed options is a chore within a chore. This has been a growing issue across our country for decades, and our lovely coastal community is not an exception. In 2006 out of a response to a growing rate of failing local farms and grocery stores in Southeastern North Carolina, founders Leslie Hossfeld and Rev. Mac Legerton began an initiative to promote economic and community development through a healthy and accessible local food system. This initiative is now known as Feast Down East, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting local farmers with their local consumers through effective and affordable programs. 

The Food Hub is one of the most efficient programs that Feast Down East has to offer. The Hub is a direct connection between 57 local farmers and the wholesale market of Southeastern NC (which likely includes one of your favorite restaurants). FDE not only provides the online marketplace for the transaction to take place, but they also deliver the product from the farm to the kitchen. A clear example of how this organization goes above and beyond to make the connection between healthy, locally sourced food and your dinner plate.

For those of us who do not typically order wholesale amounts of food FDE has us covered as well. Their Mobile Markets are in operation 4-5 days out of the week. This is a pop-up farmers market set up for the general public to shop locally, consistently. Visit the FeastDownEast.org to find their monthly market schedule to visit the one nearest you. 

Lastly, I would like to highlight the Food Prescription Program. This program is made possible through a partnership between Novant Health where patients can receive a monthly food voucher from their healthcare provider to be used at the mobile markets. Feast Down East understands that finding affordable healthy food options is more than just a chore to some, it is a necessity. Through this program in 2024 FDE gave over $11,000 in food prescription vouchers to patients in need. 

From the beginning, Feast Down East has gone the extra mile to fulfill their mission of nourishing our community and supporting local farmers. In 2024 FDE generated $390,000 of revenue for local farmers, and sold 249,000 pounds of food through the Food Hub alone. It is safe to say that they have made an incredible impact on the access to locally sourced food in Southeastern NC. I encourage you now to make that impact greater by visiting their website and one of their markets to not only make a positive impact on your community, but on yourself as well.