Since 2004…

ASD’s foundational food access program has raised money and purchased seconds produce (nutritious, delicious fruits and vegetables that do not meet strict aesthetic retail guidelines) from local and regional farmers. This program tackles food insecurity by meeting the immediate food needs of low-moderate income families while also recognizing that many farmers struggle to make ends meet themselves. The produce purchased from these farmers is then donated to food banks and food pantries.

In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this program expanded its focus and sourced food from farmers further afield. To meet the exploding needs of families in northeast TN and southwest VA, from March 2020 to May 2021, in collaboration with the USDA, we donated more than 5 million pounds of food to those in need.