Local food hub pitches district partnership to buy from area farmers

Representatives from Feast Down East presented to the Pender County Board of Education to encourage the district to increase purchases from local farmers. JT Crawford, the food hub operations manager, described the hub’s online ordering and delivery model that allows institutions to buy produce and value‑added products sourced within a roughly 150‑mile radius. The hub said it processed more than $500,000 in sales for small and medium farms in 2025 and works with local partners for mobile markets and community programs.

Crawford disputed the idea that local produce is always more expensive in the district’s procurement context, offering price comparisons where the hub’s organic products sometimes undercut large distributors. He emphasized flexibility for farmers and the hub’s ability to accommodate institutional ordering, including heat‑and‑serve items supplied by partner hubs. The board asked whether Aramark (the district’s child nutrition vendor) had been consulted; staff and the presenters agreed to arrange follow‑up meetings with Aramark representatives to explore pilot procurement or menu integration.

Outcome and next steps: No formal procurement decision was made. Presenters offered to share materials and meet with district food service staff to explore pilot sourcing, logistics and pricing. The board expressed interest in further discussion and coordination with Aramark.