Healthy Harvest Food Bank

Our goals are simple and systemic. Increase the nutritional value of food provided to residents in our service area by increasing produce as a greater percentage of food and reducing the reliance on heavily processed food sources; provide delivery of necessary supplemental food free of charge to our network of 28 partner pantries; develop further awareness throughout the region of the needs of residents and the available access to nutritional food sources; develop educational programs that will address the issue of generational poverty.

We currently provide food and grocery products (40% produce, 40% non-perishable, 10% meat, 10% bakery/dairy food items) to a network of over 30 food pantries and feeding sites servicing individuals at risk and families in need of "supplemental" meals.

The agricultural program is critical to reaching our goal of increasing the nutritional value of the food we provide to our recipients. Through community outreach and online platforms, we continue to promote this program throughout our region and beyond to inform and educate. We also work with local farmers to provide fresh produce as a mainstay of food distributed to clients (approximately 40% of food distributed locally) which increases the nutritional value of food received and establishes a new normalcy for produce as an essential part of the food distribution system. We have exceeded our goal of fresh produce by 45-50% consistently since 2016.

Through the support of our local community and foundation grants we continue to provide delivery to our partner pantries free of charge. We have increased our presence in the community by engaging in speaking opportunities, community events and presentations. We will continue to increase our public appearances and advocate for the services we offer.

In 2018, we implemented Healthy Food Pharmacy. The program targets individuals who struggle with obesity, diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension and other health related issues. The goal is to transform patient wellness by offering fresh produce, nutrition education, and hands-on cooking classes to teach them healthy eating and living as a way of combating these issues.

We will implement a new program and innovative approach to teaching future generations sustainable, healthy food farming as funding becomes available. Healthy Harvest Fresh is a cutting-edge aquaponics educational program and future partnership with regional schools. Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants) that grows fish and plants together in one integrated system. The program is designed to expand a student’s knowledge of nature’s natural cycles, plant science, nitrification, biology and fish anatomy as well as nutrition and high-tech agriculture. The hands-on approach for students will instill a sense of responsibility and inspire creativity and excitement as they learn about healthy eating and sustainable production of healthy proteins and fresh produce.

We will continue to research the viability of additional programs that will provide healthy food options to those in need.

We have a dedicated team of professionals who work together to accomplish the goals we have set forth as well as support from the community we serve.

In 2010 Northern Neck Food Bank begins in the back of a pickup truck and later moves into a small warehouse in White Stone, VA officially representing Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond and Middlesex Counties. Distributes 31,000 pounds of food through 4 pantries serving 700 people. In 2011 NNFB distributes 419,000 pounds of food through 8 pantries serving 1,800 people. In 2012 an online database connects NNFB to partner pantries. The Agricultural Program is developed and quickly becomes our signature program. Distributes 696,000 pounds of food through 11 pantries serving 2,500 people. In 2013 NNFB moves to a larger facility centrally located in Warsaw, VA. Distributes 1.1 million pounds of food through 14 pantries serving 3,100 people. In 2014 the organization expanded into Essex, Westmoreland and Colonial Beach. Distributes 1.2 million pounds of food through 21 pantries serving 4,200 people. In 2015 NNFB distributes 1.6 million pounds of food through 25 pantries serving 6,750 people. In 2016 planning begins for future expansion. Distributes over 1.7 million pounds of food through 27 pantries serving 8,700 people. In 2017 NNFB distributes a record 2.1 million pounds of food through 28 pantries serving 12,274 people. In 2018, based on the rate of growth and the development of new relationships throughout the region and beyond, NNFB changes its name to Healthy Harvest Food Bank to reflect the evolving focus and goal of providing healthier food options to those in need.

We have increased the number of individuals we serve by 49% in the last five years; we distributed a record 2.3 million pounds of food last year. We have increased the amount of fresh produce we distribute by 22% in the last year. We have increased the number of students we serve through the Backpack Buddies program by 50% in Lancaster County, 125% in Northumberland County and 200% in Westmoreland County in the last year.

Over 96% of the food bank's operating expenses go directly to feeding those in need in the region. The food bank has moved into a new facility designed with ample space to grow and implement new programs as well as reach those who may still struggle with food insecurity.