Harvest Tables

Fresh food, shared freely.

The Harvest Table is where our community comes together to celebrate the abundance grown in our gardens and through partnerships with local farms.

A kid smiling and holding a green bell pepper at a farmers market produce stand with various fresh vegetables including tomatoes, eggplants, and greens displayed on a table with a white cloth. "mitchell giving gardens" written on a banner behind

Each week during the growing season, we share freshly harvested produce—completely free of charge—so that everyone in our community can enjoy nourishing, seasonal food.

There are no forms to fill out or qualifications to meet. Anyone is welcome to visit the Harvest Table and take home what they need. Whether you’re feeding a family, stretching your grocery budget, or simply craving fresh, local vegetables, you belong here.

We believe that access to healthy food is a community right, not a privilege. If you ever feel that others might be in greater need, you’re still welcome—just consider stopping by later in the event and making a donation to help sustain the program for others. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue to grow and share food with care.

People at an outdoor farmers market or produce stand, with crates of fresh vegetables like zucchini and broccoli on a table, engaging with vendors and browsing the produce.

Growing Together

We launched our Harvest Table fresh food distribution program in 2022 to increase food security and promote healthy lifestyles across Mitchell County. Since then, the program has grown every year—expanding both the number of events and households served.

  • 2024: 8 events, averaging 53 households per event

  • 2025: 15 events, distributing more than 12,000 pounds of local produce and serving an average of 75 households per event

Our impact continues to grow because of the dedication of volunteers, donors, and local farmers who help keep our tables full and our community fed.

Two men at an outdoor farmers market stand with fresh vegetables including yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Looking Ahead to 2026

In 2026, we’ll continue to grow this work—hosting two Harvest Table events per month from May through September. The season will kick off with our “5-a-Day in May” Challenge, encouraging our community to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day while learning simple ways to make healthier choices.

Though our program is currently paused for the winter, we can’t wait to welcome you back this spring to share another season of fresh, local food and connection.

How You Can Help

You can help keep the Harvest Table thriving by:

  • Volunteering at harvests or food distribution events.

  • Donating to help us purchase produce from local farms and keep our tables full.

  • Spreading the word so more neighbors know they’re welcome.

Local Farm Partners

While much of our produce comes directly from our gardens, we also purchase additional fruits and vegetables from local and regional farms to supplement what we grow. This not only helps us provide a greater variety of foods at each Harvest Table—it also supports small farms and strengthens our local food system.

We’re grateful to the farms and growers who have supplied food for our tables, including:

  • Barnwell Orchards

  • Brookhaven Farms

  • Bryant Farm

  • Charlene's Garden

  • Clem's Organic Gardens

  • Cottle Organics

  • Fishel Organics

  • M+M Plant Farm

  • Neal Johnson Organics

  • Olivette Farm

  • Rhodesdale Farm

  • Rocky Hollow Farm

  • Stone Creek Farm

  • Table Rock Farm

  • TendWell Farm

  • The Culinary Gardener

  • Tomas Farm

  • True Family Farm

  • Uncle Henry's Organics

  • Watkins Farm

  • Watsonia Farms

  • Wild Hope Farm

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 ensure that everyone in Mitchell County has access to fresh, healthy produce—no questions asked, no paperwork required.

    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, which supports local youth and families, and to Shepherd’s Staff, a community food pantry serving individuals and households in need.

  • Most of the produce is grown in our collaborative production garden in Spruce Pine with the help of volunteers and staff. In addition, 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. You’re welcome to come 30–40 minutes after the Harvest Table begins and make a donation in support of our food access programs. Your contribution helps ensure that everyone in our community can continue to enjoy fresh, local food year-round.

  • 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.