Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs - General

  • Mitchell Giving Gardens (MGG) is a nonprofit organization based in Mitchell County, North Carolina. We grow fresh, organic produce and share it at no cost with local residents to increase food access and strengthen our local food system.

    Unlike a traditional community garden where individuals rent or maintain their own beds, MGG operates as a collaborative production and demonstration garden. Volunteers, staff, and community partners work together to grow food that is distributed through our Harvest Tables and local food programs — making fresh food available to our neighbors.

    The garden also acts as a base for our educational activities, Harvest Table events, and the Home Gardener Program.

  • Our main garden is located in Riverside Park (305 Tappan Street), adjacent to downtown Spruce Pine, with additional community-supported growing spaces and partnerships throughout Mitchell County.

  • All of the food grown at Mitchell Giving Gardens is shared at no cost with our community. Fresh produce is distributed through our Harvest Table events, where anyone is welcome to take home seasonal fruits and vegetables, and through partnerships with local food access organizations.

    We regularly provide produce to The Hive (which serves local youth and families) and Shepherd’s Staff (a community food pantry supporting individuals and households in need).

FAQs - Donations

  • Your donation directly supports our programs, including community gardens, food distribution, and educational programs.

  • Yes, Mitchell Giving Gardens is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You’ll receive a receipt for your records.

  • Yes! Checks can be mailed to:

    Mitchell Giving Gardens
    PO Box 356
    Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  • Yes! Recurring donations are a powerful way to sustain our work year-round. You can choose to give monthly, quarterly, or annually—whatever works best for you.

  • You’re always in control. You can modify or cancel your recurring gift at any time through your donor portal or by reaching out to us directly.

  • Definitely. Our donation platform is secure and encrypted to protect your personal information. We never share or sell donor data.

  • Yes, we do! We gratefully accept in-kind donations that help support our garden spaces and education programs. Please contact us first to coordinate what’s needed most.

  • Yes! Sponsorships are a meaningful way to support our work while receiving recognition for your business, organization, or family. Reach out to us for current opportunities

  • Absolutely. We welcome partnerships with local businesses, faith groups, and other organizations. Contact us to explore sponsorships, matching gifts, or team volunteer days.

  • We’d love that. Volunteers are essential to our mission! Visit our Get Involved page to learn how you can get involved in the gardens, food distribution, or community events

  • Yes! We love keeping our supporters in the loop. You’ll receive occasional updates about the work you’re helping to grow—harvest reports, program highlights, and community stories. Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter. Also, follow us on our social media outlets for the most up-to-date events and happenings in the garden.

FAQs - Volunteering

  • Volunteers are the heart of Mitchell Giving Gardens! There are several ways to get involved — from weekly garden workdays and harvest days to helping with events, education, or special projects. Visit our Volunteering page to sign up for current opportunities or join our volunteer email list to hear about upcoming needs.

  • Not at all! We welcome volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Being in the garden is a great way to learn, and we encourage new gardeners to come grow with us. Whether you’re planting for the first time or already have a green thumb, our team provides guidance, mentorship, and plenty of hands-on learning during each session.

  • Yes! We love hosting groups from schools, churches, small businesses and community organizations. Group volunteer days are a great way to give back while connecting with your team. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a date.

  • Volunteer activities follow the arc of the growing season — from planting, watering, and weeding to harvesting and preparing produce for distribution.

    During workdays, we focus on seasonal tasks to maximize production, provide learning opportunities, and have fun!

  • Absolutely. We welcome volunteers with a wide range of skills! Additional opportunities include:

    • Event support (setup, coordination, photography, or community outreach)

    • Administrative tasks (data entry, organizing supplies, or assisting with communications)

    • Education & workshops (teaching workshops, mentoring home gardeners, helping facilitate or sharing your expertise)

    • Marketing & storytelling (social media, graphic design, or writing)

    • Skilled trades (carpentry, irrigation setup, or repairs)

    If you have a special skill you’d like to offer — even if it’s not garden-related — we’d love to hear from you.

  • We recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and, if you have them, your favorite gardening gloves (we have plenty extras if you don’t).

  • Garden workdays typically take place weekly during the growing season, with additional harvest and cleanup days scheduled as needed. Sign up for the volunteer newsletter for current dates and times.

  • Yes! We’re happy to sign off on community service or school volunteer hours. Please let us know in advance so we can track your hours.

FAQs - Food Distribution

  • All of the food grown at Mitchell Giving Gardens is shared at no cost with the community. Our goal is simple: to help Mitchell County residents access fresh, healthy produce.

    The food we grow is distributed through our Harvest Table events, where community members can choose from a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. We also deliver fresh produce to The Hive community center and to Shepherd’s Staff.

  • For our Harvest Table events, we purchase fresh produce from local farms through the support of grant funding and donors who contribute $2,500 or more.

    This approach not only expands the amount and variety of food we can share but also strengthens the local food economy by supporting small farmers in Mitchell and surrounding counties.

  • Harvest Tables take place regularly throughout the growing season (May–October) in Spruce Pine and other nearby communities. Dates, times, and locations are announced on our social media pages and through our newsletter.

  • Everyone is welcome! Our Harvest Tables are open to all residents—no sign-up or proof of income required. We believe that food should bring people together, and we’re proud to create a space where neighbors can connect, share stories, and leave with fresh, nourishing food.

    If you don’t personally need free produce but still want to take part, we’d love to have you join us. Consider arriving 30–40 minutes after the Harvest Table begins and make a donation in support of our food access programs.

  • Volunteers are always needed to help harvest, set up tables, and greet community members. You can also make a donation to help us continue purchasing from local farms and providing free produce to those who need it most. Visit our Donate page to learn more.

FAQs - Home Gardener Program

  • The Home Gardener Program empowers local residents to grow their own food at home with the support of Mitchell Giving Gardens. Each participant receives a raised garden bed, organic soil, and plant starts — along with seasonal guidance, educational resources, and community support.

    The program was created to make home gardening more accessible, reduce grocery costs, and inspire families to experience the joy and self-reliance that comes from growing fresh food right outside their door.

  • The Home Gardener Program is open to residents of Mitchell County who want to grow food for their household but may face barriers such as cost, access to materials, or gardening experience.

    We prioritize low-income families and households experiencing food insecurity, ensuring those who need it most have the resources to grow their own fresh, healthy food at home. However, anyone who is eager to learn and contribute to a stronger local food system is encouraged to apply

  • When enrollment begins, an application form will be available on our website and shared through social media and community partners. To be notified, you can sign up for our newsletter or follow Mitchell Giving Gardens on Facebook and Instagram.

  • Each participant receives:

    • One raised garden bed (home gardener assembles at their home site)

    • High-quality soil and compost

    • A variety of seasonal organic plant starts and/or seeds

    • Gardening guidance, seasonal tips, and ongoing support from MGG staff and volunteers

    Participants are also required to attend volunteer days, workshops, and community events to connect with other gardeners and learn more about growing successfully in our mountain climate

  • Yes, participants need a small, sunny area to place the raised bed — ideally with 6+ hours of sunlight per day and access to water. During the application process, MGG staff can help you determine whether your space is suitable

  • The raised bed remains at your home for continued use. Many participants go on to plant fall and winter crops or reuse their beds the following spring with new soil and seeds. MGG provides resources on extending the season and preparing your garden for the next year.

  • The Home Gardener Program expands our mission beyond our central demonstration garden — helping neighbors grow their own food, build confidence in gardening, and strengthen community resilience. Every home garden contributes to a healthier, more food-secure Mitchell County.