GUILFORD COUNTY
FOOD SECURITY |
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Harvest Hope Newsletter |
January 2026 - Happy New Year!
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Program Highlights
Guilford County Food Action Network (GCFAN) Open Meeting |
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Join us for a GCFAN open meeting!
You’re invited to the Guilford County Food Action Network (GCFAN) open meeting on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at the Guilford County Center (3309 Burlington Rd., Greensboro, NC 27405)! This welcoming, open meeting is a great opportunity to learn more about GCFAN and get involved with our Access, Policy, Farmer Connections, and Food Recovery workgroups.
GCFAN is a diverse coalition of community partners, organizations, and community members committed to addressing barriers to food security, promoting food distribution, empowering local agriculture, and advocating for policies to ensure that ALL residents have access to affordable and nutritious food.
Whether you’re new to GCFAN or a longtime supporter, we’d love to see you there! Everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be provided!
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Upcoming Events
Growing Together: Connecting Farmers & Community Buyers |
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Join us for our second "speed dating" event between buyers and farmers, in which we are linking local farms, local plates, and local institutions!
This event is a dynamic, relationship-focused meet-up designed to strengthen the local food supply chain by bringing Guilford County farmers and food buyers together in one room. This creates meaningful opportunities for connection, conversation, and collaboration — helping farmers expand their markets and helping buyers source fresh, reliable local food.
This event will take place at the Guilford County Center (3309 Burlington Rd., Greensboro, NC 27405) on January 28, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
The format of the event:
The evening features structured “speed connection” rounds where farmers rotate and buyers stay seated, ensuring every participant has focused, productive conversations. The event also includes open networking, a resource area, and space to identify shared challenges and opportunities.
Benefits
For Buyers: Ensures access to desired produce while supporting local farmers.
For Farmers: Reduces the risk of surplus crops or unprofitable ventures by aligning with market demand.
For the Community: Strengthens relationships, provides fresh healthy food to consumers and builds a resilient local food system.
Whether you’re a farmer looking to expand into new markets or a buyer seeking reliable, local food sources, Growing Together is designed to move beyond casual networking and toward real business relationships that support our local food economy.
The event is free - but capacity is limited. Please register to reserve a seat.
If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, please contact Marcus Williams (mjwill34@ncsu.edu; (336) 641-2416). Thank you for your interest!
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and local governments cooperating.
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Winter Clothing Drive |
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The NC Cooperative Extension - Guilford County Center is hosting a winter clothing drive throughout the month of February! We are collecting new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, as well as new socks and disposable hand warmers. Donations can be placed in the collection box in the lobby under the AED (address: 3309 Burlington Rd., Greensboro, NC 27405).
These items will be added to the blessing box outside the building for community members to take as needed. Please consider donating if you’re able, and feel free to share this with others who may be interested in contributing! Thank you!
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Community Partner Spotlight
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This month's spotlight goes to Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM)!
Greensboro Urban Ministry is a nonprofit organization founded in 1967 that provides opportunities for housing solutions, safe shelter, food, and support services year-round for residents of the greater Greensboro community. Greensboro Urban Ministry helps individuals and families gain stability, including access to food through its pantry and daily community meals, emergency and transitional shelter programs, and supportive services like case management and spiritual care. Greensboro Urban Ministry also engages the community through volunteer opportunities, events, and partnerships that strengthen local efforts to address hunger, homelessness, and crisis needs.
Below is an overview of Greensboro Urban Ministry's three main service areas:
1. Food — Greensboro Urban Ministry offers free meals daily and gives out emergency groceries four days a week. The Potter’s House Community Kitchen provides a hot, nutritious lunch every day, including holidays. In addition to the community lunch, Potter’s house also provides breakfast and dinner to guests staying in the Weaver House shelter. The Greensboro Urban Ministry Food Pantry has also provided food for people at risk of hunger in Guilford County for over 30 years.
2. Shelter — Weaver House provides emergency shelter to single men and women. The Pathways Center
provides temporary shelter to families. Long-term housing assistance is provided through Partnership Village, a transitional housing community for individuals and families rebuilding self-sufficiency after experiencing homelessness.
3. Supportive Services — Guilford County residents that are facing financial hardship may be eligible for emergency financial assistance with utility payments. Each case is evaluated and customers with the most urgent needs are given priority. Greensboro Urban Ministry also provides additional supportive services through case management
. Case management refers to a collaborative and planned approach to ensuring that a family or person who experiences homelessness gets the services and supports needed to move forward with their lives.
Chantae Lowery, Food Pantry Director of Greensboro Urban Ministry, says, "At Greensboro Urban Ministry Food Pantry, it’s more than food on the shelves. We provide our neighbors with hope, care, and support by making sure they feel valued once they enter our doors." Thank you, Chantae!
There are a few ways to get involved with Greensboro Urban Ministry!
1.) Volunteer! Volunteers are vital to Greensboro Urban Ministry’s success, providing critical support to the mission and staff.
2.) Join Greensboro Urban Ministry at community events! Greensboro Urban Ministry cherishes opportunities to connect with the community and share their vision for providing food, shelter, and support to those facing food and housing insecurity in Guilford County.
3.) Donate money or food! Your generosity helps Greensboro Urban Ministry sustain programs that directly address food insecurity, homelessness, and more in our community.
Thank you Greensboro Urban Ministry for your community efforts in helping individuals and families combat food insecurity, homelessness, and other needs! For more information about Greensboro Urban Ministry and the wonderful work they're doing, please click the button below!
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| GREENSBORO URBAN MINISTRY
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
N.C. Cooperative Extension - Guilford County Center, 3309 Burlington Rd, Greensboro, NC 27405, United States
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