Why Volunteer with LocalFAM?

“[LocalFAM] has huge ripple effects. It contributes to making the local economy more stable, and connects our neighbors with fresh food while paying farmers market value for their products. I love the sense of community it helps foster" - Jess McClelland, former BRWIA staff

“LocalFAM has had a tremendous impact compared to other food equity programs. [It meets] similar bottom lines of helping farmers generate revenue, connect with new customers, and gets healthy, local food to folks who otherwise wouldn't be able to access it.” - Dave Walker, formerly with Daffodil Spring Farm

From LocalFAM Food Box Recipients:
  • “My kids are eating better than they ever have.”
  • “I have never had produce this good of quality.”

What to Expect

Volunteers pack boxes with food that will be delivered to food insecure people around the High Country. Once the food boxes are assembled, BRWIA staff members deliver them to nonprofit partners across the region for distribution. 

In this video, a group of student volunteers are shown packing the LocalFAM boxes for delivery to Wilkes County.

Want to Volunteer?

Contact Sam Springs, Local Food as Medicine Coordinator, for details: sam@brwia.org

Past Volunteer Contributions

Nursing Student Class Participation 2023
Statements from students: 
"The concept of “farm to table” may seem cliche, but making sure every step of the farm to table process is supported and sustainable means the food security infrastructure can work, regardless of what is going on in the world."

"Amplifying voices of those in need and working with programs to develop solutions means the needs of the community can better be met"

"Understanding this issue is vital to providing good care to our patients and the community. Not only in understanding what equitable, sustainable food would look like; but the effects had on those who do not have access to it."

"It is important for nurses to understand local food systems so they can help educate patients on programs that could benefit them like double up dollars at the local farmers market or the LocalFAM initiative in our area."

"I have learned in nursing school that nursing is not just interacting with patients in a hospital.Without access to healthy foods, clean water, shelter, and other necessities, people will get sick and not be able to lead a healthy life. Knowing your community as well and what it struggles with and what it thrives in is important as well in being able to talk confidently about its resources available to them."
Appalachian Teaching Project 2021
After volunteering at the High Country Food Hub to pack 50 food boxes each week during the Fall 2021 semester, Dr. Jessica Martell and her WRC 1103 students ​developed and delivered a presentation at the Appalachian Teaching Project Virtual Conference. Their presentation, entitled “Building Market Channels for Local Food in the North Carolina High Country”, is available to read below.
local_fam_atp_presentation_script.pdf
File Size: 114 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
local_fam_atp_poster.pdf
File Size: 1970 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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