Iredell farmers encouraged to share their harvest

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — The Iredell County Health Department is asking local farmers to grow an extra row of produce to help feed Iredell residents as part of the Share the Harvest program, the Mooresville Tribune reported.

Share the Harvest links farmers with residents in need and has been in operation locally for about five years, according to Megan Redford, the health department's public information officer.

Local farmers are encouraged "to either plant an extra row of fruits or vegetables or make a plan to donate any excess produce that you may harvest," according to the health department.

More than 10 percent of Iredell residents live in poverty, the Mooresville Tribune said.

And according to a survey conducted by the North Carolina Center for Health Statistics, 63.6 percent don't completely agree that it's easy to purchase healthy foods locally.

Poor nutrition can lead to anemia, depression, night blindness, general weakness, irregular heartbeat and hemorrhaging, Redford said.

"A healthy diet is vital to one's overall well-being," Redford said. "We are continuously looking for ways to expand our program."

In the past five years, the program has added two additional drop-off locations and collected more than 50,000 pounds of produce, Redford said.

Those unable to transport produce can call 704-924-4089 to make arrangements for a pickup. All produce donations are tax deductible.

Cox Media Group