We provide fresh produce, as well as health & wellness education, to food insecure neighborhoods

14.9%

Households in Mecklenburg Co. that are experiencing food insecurity

185,000

No. of Mecklenburg Co. residents that live in what is defined as a food desert

>50%

Mecklenburg Co. residents that live without reliable access to transportation

Since our launch in 2016, The Bulb has established community-led sponsorships and received grants that have allowed us to grow from 2 donation-based weekly markets to more than 12 in neighborhoods across the Charlotte metro area.

FOOD INSECURITY

The disruption of food intake or eating patterns due to lack of resources. The disruption may be influenced by a number of factors including unemployment, race/ethnicity, loss of transportation and disability.

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

The right of all people to design and influence their own food systems and be afforded culturally appropriate and sustainably produced food.

FOOD JUSTICE

Communities exercising their right to grow, sell and eat healthy food. Healthy food is fresh, nutritious, affordable, culturally-appropriate and grown locally with care for the wellbeing of the land, workers and animals.

A majority of our produce comes from small, sustainable North Carolina and South Carolina farms that are working to meaningfully connect local produce to the community.

Food supporting the community

Buying local produce keeps that money nearby where it can be reinvested in services and businesses in the community.

Food at Peak Ripeness

Locally-grown food has less distance to travel to get to your plate so it can be picked when it is ripe. The reduced distance it has to travel also allows for more nutrients to be maintained because preservatives aren’t needed.

Food benefiting the environment

Supporting local farms helps preserve farmland and green spaces in communities and promotes diversifying local crops.

Complementary to fighting food insecurity, the fight against food waste is a critical part of our mission. We partner with local grocery stores to “rescue” food they have deemed unsellable. Our Food Rescue Team then sorts, washes and repackages what is still quality, and composts the rest to make nutrient-rich soil for the farm.

#1

Uneaten food is the #1 most common landfill material in the US.

25%

The amount of the food wasted that could feed all 795 million undernourished people around the world.

45%

The amount of root crops, fruit and vegetables produced globally that are lost or wasted per year.

Together, we are creating a world where FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS food is a right and not a privilege.

As a donation-based nonprofit, funding from grants and individuals like YOU allows us to offer these resources and educational opportunities to the communities we serve.

Every dollar works hard and makes an incredible difference. Please join us in the fight against food insecurity by donating to The Bulb.