Tucked away in the mountains of Yancey County is Dig In! Yancey Community Garden. This garden provides fresh fruits and vegetables to hunger-relief agencies and food-insecure families in their community. 

In addition to growing and harvesting produce, Dig In! partners with local agencies to host “Harvest Tables” in four different neighborhoods. There is a long-standing tradition in Yancey County to share food, recipes, and tips with neighbors. Harvest Tables keep this tradition alive by creating common spaces for participants to share, swap, and try fresh produce. On designated days, Dig In! sets up tables and tents in a high traffic area, like the health department or community college campus parking lot, and hosts a Harvest Table. Dig In! distributes extra produce from their garden and prepares a dish featuring harvested veggies for visitors to sample. Any guests can bring extra produce they have grown, preserved, or cooked to share with others. This creates a safe, open place to experience new foods, cultures, and cooking techniques with people one might not have had the chance to meet.

Harvest Tables are meant to build community and let people share resources. They are not a farmer’s market replacement, but could be a great addition to your local curb market. Nothing brings people together like food, and a Harvest Table could be a great one-time event or a brand new long-lasting program for your organization to adopt.