Farmers Can Rely On Us
Your Success Is Our Goal At Feast Down East
Founded as an economic development effort, Feast Down East's primary goal is to help farms in Southeastern North Carolina prosper financially. Our food hub offers assistance to farmers, particularly those with limited resources, through various services. This includes connecting farmers to educational opportunities and technical support services through Feast Down East or our statewide network of partners. We also help to promote local farms and their products through marketing and consumer education efforts. Finally, Feast Down East helps distribute farm products through the food hub, which provides farmers with additional income and reduces their distribution costs.
Are You A Farmer Looking For Some Help?
Farmer Scholarships Now Open. Apply Now.
Feast Down East is pleased to announce our Fall 2026 round of Farmer Scholarships!
Scholarships between $500-$1000 will be awarded based on application.
Application is due by Friday, November 6th at 11:59pm
Farm within a 100 mile radius of the FDE Food Hub will be prioritized. Only 1 application per farm will be accepted.
- Equipment (purchase, maintenance, etc.)
- Vehicle/transportation expenses (maintenance, purchase, fuel, etc.)
- Product packaging materials & scales
- Fees required for farmers markets, food safety classes, certifications, etc.
- Farm supplies like fertilizer, chemicals, feed, soil, compost, seeds, starts, etc.
- Farm-related conferences and workshops
- Technology/software used on farm (QuickBooks, iPad used in field, EBT equipment)
Join us at Red Beard Farms with Pender County Cooperative Extension
Free Soil Testing, Health, and Management Workshop
Come learn about soil health and management in vegetable production systems!
Join us at Red Beard Farms for a hands-on workshop focused on soil testing, soil health assessment, and practical soil management. Participants will learn how to properly collect soil samples, interpret soil test results, and evaluate soil physical health through field-based demonstrations, including aggregate stability and compaction testing. The workshop will also highlight soil health management practices, and available NRCS technical assistance and conservation programs for diversified vegetable farms.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, November 5th
- Time: 9 am - 12 pm
- Location: 5258 Horse Branch Rd, Willard, NC
- Cost/Pricing Details: FREE
- Snacks & Refreshments provided
Testimonials
"Working with Feast Down East I get into pretty much every restaurant that you can think of in the Wilmington area. I get to know the chefs, I get to know the owners, so I have a first-hand relationship with the people that buy our products."
Keith Sargeant, Farmer & Owner of Sarge's Farm
“I know that these vegetables will help a lot of low income and elderly people in this community. I appreciate all the help we can get from a program of this nature to help the most vulnerable citizens is certainly welcome in this District of Sampson County and I know others would appreciate it also. Please accept our gratitude for all you do.”
Commissioner Lethia Lee, 4th District Sampson County Commissioner, Harrellson Community Center
Support Local Agriculture
Help us empower more farmers with resources, training, and access to markets. Your contribution today supports a sustainable, equitable future for farming in our community. Donate now!