Out of the Garden Project

Overview

The Out of the Garden Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating childhood hunger in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. Founded in 2008, it began as a small initiative to provide weekend meals for a few families at a local school. Over time, it has grown to become one of the largest independent providers of meals for families in the region.

Mission

The organization's mission is to end childhood hunger by providing nutritious food to children and families in need, fostering a supportive community, and ensuring every child has the resources necessary to thrive. It aims to empower every family with the resources they need to succeed.

Programs and Impact

Out of the Garden Project operates six programs to ensure a consistent supply of fresh produce, bread, meats, and shelf-stable items to those in need. These programs have led to the distribution of over 19.5 million meals, with nearly 800 families benefiting from initiatives like "Operation Backpack." The organization also hosts Fresh Mobile Markets, which serve roughly 2,500 students and families each week across 22 locations in the Piedmont Triad area. Families typically receive around 60 pounds of food from these markets.

Volunteer and Community Involvement

The success of Out of the Garden Project is significantly attributed to the involvement of over 9,000 volunteers who contribute to its operations. The organization partners with local institutions to expand its reach and impact, highlighting the power of community collaboration in addressing food insecurity.

Statistics on Food Insecurity

The region served by Out of the Garden Project faces significant challenges related to food insecurity. Guilford County, where part of its operations are based, experiences high levels of food insecurity, with Greensboro/High Point ranking 14th nationally and Winston-Salem ranking 7th. Approximately 1 in 5 residents in Guilford County are food insecure, and 2 out of 3 public school children qualify for free or reduced meals.

Achievements

Since its inception, Out of the Garden Project has distributed more than 20 million meals. In recent years, it has distributed over 2 million meals annually and serves more than 200,000 meals monthly. This substantial impact reflects the organization's commitment to addressing hunger and fostering community growth.