Feast Down East (FDE) recently announced the winners of its inaugural Farmer Scholarship Program. The scholarships, valued up to $450 each, have been awarded to local farmers within 100 miles of FDE’s food hub. The program specifically focuses on supporting beginner, first generational, minority and veteran farmers to provide funding for their operations, and farms that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Winning Farms Are:
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4-Ever Vista Farms
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Bee Blessed Pure Honey
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Changin’ Ways Farm
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Footprints In The Garden
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GrassRoots Meat & Feed Provision Co.
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Mindful Farm and Garden
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Pasture To Plate Farms
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Red Bear Farms
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Sarge’s Farm
“The Farmer Scholarship Program was created after noting barriers our farmers were experiencing in leveraging funds that could be invested into their farm businesses that could increase on-farm production and distribution opportunities,” said Jordyn Appel-Hughes, executive director of the organization. “We are committed to supporting our local farming community and encourage sustainable, responsible farming practices while addressing barriers experienced through innovative programs such as this. Feast Down East is proud to support our local farms, many of which are beginner, minority-owned or veteran-led.”
FDE began showcasing each winning farm in a series on their social media platforms on July 12. Followers can look forward to learning more about each farm’s unique skills and products, from the organic practices Red Beard Farms implements to the sweet delicious honey from Bee Blessed Pure Honey.
Their mission is to strengthen the farming communities in and around Southeastern N.C. by providing resources, education, and distribution opportunities to farmers while addressing equitable food access in communities with the greatest need. Learn more about FDE at https://feastdowneast.org.
