Over the past several weeks, many of our market customers have asked the same question: Is your produce safe? It's an understandable concern. News of the multi-state Cyclospora outbreak, a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness, has left many people wondering whether it's still safe to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fresh produce remains an essential part of a healthy diet, and there is currently no evidence linking Feast Down East or any of our farm partners to this outbreak. Rather than avoiding fresh produce altogether, moments like these are an opportunity to better understand where our food comes from and why regional food systems matter.

One of the greatest strengths of a regional food system is traceability. While national supply chains often combine produce from hundreds of farms before it reaches grocery stores, our produce comes from farms across southeastern North Carolina, moves through our Food Hub in Burgaw, and reaches customers through a shorter, more transparent supply chain. We know where our food comes from, we know the farmers who grow it, and we can respond quickly if questions ever arise.

Food safety is a shared responsibility throughout our network. Feast Down East is USDA GAP certified, meaning our produce is handled according to verified food safety practices that minimize microbial risks. We also encourage customers to wash all fresh produce thoroughly, choose whole heads of lettuce over pre-washed bags when possible, separate and wash herb leaves individually, and cook produce to 158°F or higher when appropriate.

While no food system can promise zero risk, smaller regional supply chains offer a level of transparency that's difficult to achieve in large, national distribution networks. The current Cyclospora outbreak is a reminder that knowing your farmer—and knowing your food system—matters. 

At Feast Down East, we support Southeastern North Carolina's local food system by connecting small-to-mid sized farmers with restaurants, grocery stores, and our neighbors through our Food Hub and Mobile Market. We also work to make fresh food accessible through programs like Fresh Bucks, which provides a 50% match on SNAP/EBT purchases, and our partnership with Novant Health's Food Prescription Program. Every purchase from a local farmer strengthens our regional economy, and helps build a more resilient, transparent, and connected food system. Thank you for continuing to trust Feast Down East and the incredible farmers who make what we do possible! 

– Anna Sawyer | Mobile Market Coordinator