GUILFORD COUNTY

FOOD SECURITY

Harvest Hope Newsletter

December 2025 - Happy Holidays!

Program Highlights

Farm Fresh Holiday Food Distribution Program

The Food Security Team is hard at work coordinating the annual Farm Fresh Holiday Food Distribution Program, a heartfelt initiative designed to bring the warmth and joy of the season to senior citizens and homebound individuals in our community.

In Greensboro, we are proud to partner with the Triad Black Faith Leaders and Black Farmers Network (TBFL&BFN), Hopkins Poultry, Guilford Backpack Ministry (GBM), Greensboro Chapter of Links, and the Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) to distribute 751 produce boxes and 156 small chickens. These boxes were delivered to Harrison Middle School, GBM's Christmas Store, an apartment complex, two GHA locations (Stoneridge Apartments and Hall Towers), and through participating churches to reach families in need.

In High Point, we are once again joining forces with Growing High Point and Helping Hands to distribute 90 produce boxes and 90 small chickens for seniors and homebound individuals throughout the county, continuing a collaborative tradition of community partners and producers working together to source fresh food from local farmers.

This year, we worked with a total of seven community partners to distribute 841 total boxes of fresh food and 246 small chickens, with a combined estimated weight of 2,391 lbs! Thank you to everyone who was involved in this program, we couldn't have done it without you!

Upcoming Events

2025 Consumer & Urban Horticulture Needs Assessment

Please participate in this important Needs Assessment by December 31st, 2025. Your responses will help our Extension Agent for Consumer and Urban Horticulture, Taylor Jones, in creating a more impactful, useful Horticulture Extension program for Guilford County.

This survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. Your input will directly inform programs, workshops, and resources that support successful home gardening, sustainable landscapes, and vibrant community green spaces. All responses are confidential and voluntary.

For any questions, please contact Taylor Jones at taylor_jones@ncsu.edu or call (336) 641-2407.

Please click the button below or scan the QR code to take the survey!

TAKE SURVEY HERE

Growing Together: Connecting Farmers & Community Buyers

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.

Community Partner Spotlight

This month's spotlight goes to Operation Xcel!

Promoting eXcellent Communities, Education, and Leadership.

Operation Xcel is a nonprofit organization that offers academic and enrichment programs for youth, kindergarten through middle school. Operation Xcel also offers empowerment and literacy services in specific areas to adults. Operation Xcel promotes academic development and character growth through individual and target-based objectives, with a focus on individual development and achievement. Operation Xcel inspires learners to excel academically, socially, physically, and emotionally and make sustainable world changes through personalized future-focused college- and career-readiness through after-school programs, summer tutoring, and mentorship programs.

Operation Xcel is guided by a strong work ethic and a dedication to community betterment. Through their academic and enrichment programs, they demonstrate their commitment to:

• providing equal access to quality educational resources
• supporting diversity of thought
• creating a strong foundation for the development of lifelong learners
• fostering civic engagement
• encouraging career mindfulness in our youth

Operation Xcel is most known for their three main programs, the Operation Homework After-school Tutoring Program, the Family Engagement Program, and the Operation 3 Steps Ahead Summer Program.

Below is an overview of Operation Xcel's three main programs:

1. Operation Homework After-school Tutoring Program — Operation Homework is an after-school academic enrichment program designed to help students address learning gaps and enhance their educational journeys. In this program, students work with certified teachers who guide them through Math, Reading, and Science curricula. Additionally, Operation Homework focuses on Social Emotional Learning and Physical Education to ensure a well-rounded experience for all participants. As a result, participants achieve over 90% self-efficacy in STEAM subjects.

2. Family Engagement Program — The OPeXCEptionaL Family Project occurs annually during the Operation Homework after school program. The OpeXCEptionaL Family Project primarily targets the need for advocacy and building positive, goal-oriented relationships with families. Through a combined commitment from school partnerships, Operation Xcel aims to foster meaningful relationships with families based on respect and empathy. Operation Xcel's family engagement initiative is integral to everything they do, including, but not limited to, monthly parent nights, parent cafes, workshops, information sessions, and community engagement presentations.

3. Operation 3 Steps Ahead Summer Program — 3 Steps Ahead is a six-week, full-day academic enrichment program designed for students to continue their learning during summer break. Certified teachers facilitate engaging learning experiences in Math, Reading, Science, STEAM, Robotics, Social-Emotional Learning, and other subjects. Students also have opportunities to participate in weekly swimming activities and unique field trips throughout North Carolina.

You can view Operation Xcel's 2024-2025 Impact Report here.

Charlene Gladney, Executive Director of Operation Xcel, says, "As we face ongoing economic challenges in Guilford County and across the nation, Operation Xcel remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting our neighbors. The launch of our Caring Cupboard at Northwood Community Center in High Point is more than just a new program — it is a symbol of our genuine compassion and a practical response to food insecurity in our community. We see you, we understand your needs, and we care deeply. Together, we can ensure that no family goes without the nourishment and support they deserve, especially in times of uncertainty and hardship." Thank you, Charlene!

There are a few ways to get involved with Operation Xcel!

1.) Volunteer! Be a part of a not-for-profit team that is passionate to inspire learners to excel in every area of their lives and make meaningful changes in the world.

2.) Join Operation Xcel at community events as well as special events! Operation Xcel loves being in the community and spreading the word about their mission.

3.) Donate money! With each donation, you will help Operation Xcel continue to inspire their learners to excel in every area of their lives and make meaningful changes in the world.

Thank you Operation Xcel for your community efforts in helping children and their families! For more information about Operation Xcel and the wonderful work they're doing, please click the button below!

OPERATION XCEL

Click the links below to learn more about the Food Security Program, our partners, and local happenings:

GUILFORD COUNTY CENTER EVENTS

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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