In western North Carolina, many families are struggling to put fresh food on their tables. This has led to difficult choices about what to eat. A local group, Bounty of Soul, is working hard to help by bringing fresh produce right into neighborhoods that need it.
For 87-year-old Rosie Harrell, this support means everything. With a big smile, she fills her bag with colorful fruits and veggies. “These are the freshest I’ve ever seen,” she shares. Grocery prices can be tough, especially for those on a budget. Rosie can’t imagine what she would do without this weekly food market in her community.
The impact of Bounty of Soul has grown immensely. In 2025, they helped over 276,000 people, which is a significant jump from 158,000 the previous year. They’ve expanded from hosting six markets to having a presence in ten communities. The need is clear – places like the Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church see around 150 families showing up each week.
Bounty of Soul partners with local farmers and churches to make this happen. Bobbette Mays from Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church explained how they reach out to the community. “We send out a robocall each week to remind everyone. Our goal is for people to eat healthy,” she said.
Paula Sellars, the deputy director of Bounty of Soul, emphasized the importance of fresh food for health. “When people are food insecure, they risk poorer health,” she noted. They’ve built their organization on the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food.
Bounty of Soul also focuses on helping those who can’t travel. They deliver food to around 100 households, ensuring that even the most vulnerable in the community have what they need.
Looking ahead, Bounty of Soul recently purchased a building to create a food hub. This will allow them to serve even more neighborhoods. This mission is vital not just for filling bellies but also for building community. Rosie captures this sentiment perfectly: “I came here and fell in love with it. We share stories and get to know each other.”
As food insecurity continues to be a challenge for many, local efforts like Bounty of Soul become lifelines. Studies show that access to fresh food can significantly improve mental and physical well-being. It reminds us that the fight against hunger is more than just about food; it’s about hope and connection.
For more information about Bounty of Soul’s work, visit their website here.
