Feast Down East receives $150,000 multi-year grant from Camber Foundation
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Feast Down East has been selected as one of the Camber Foundation’s first multi-year community-based grant recipients, receiving a three-year commitment totaling $150,000.
The grant will provide $50,000 annually in general operating support to the nonprofit, which connects local farmers with communities across Southeastern North Carolina.
Feast Down East said the funding will provide greater stability as the organization works to expand its programs and services. The organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Unlike funding restricted to a specific program, general operating support can be used to help cover an organization’s broader operations and infrastructure.
Feast Down East operates a Food Hub that connects small and mid-sized farmers with wholesale customers, including grocers, restaurants and institutions. The organization also provides farmers with technical assistance, crop planning and marketing support.
Its Local Motive Mobile Farmers’ Market brings fresh produce to communities with limited access to food. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and participates in programs including Fresh Bucks and Food Rx.
Feast Down East also operates Farmers Fighting Hunger, which provides food to community organizations and agencies.
According to the organization, its Food Hub and Mobile Market have increased farmer sales by 11% and 28%, respectively.
In 2025, Farmers Fighting Hunger served 13 community partner agencies with nearly 1,300 food boxes containing more than 29,000 pounds of fresh food. The program benefited 37 farmers, according to Feast Down East.
Over the three-year grant period, Feast Down East plans to increase the number of farmers receiving marketing, technical assistance and workshop education. The organization also plans to increase customer visits to its Mobile Market and continue building partnerships across the region.
“To be chosen among the Camber Foundation’s first multi-year community-based grantees is a tremendous honor, and a reflection of the trust we’ve built together over the years,” Feast Down East Executive Director Jordyn Appel-Hughes said. “Multi-year support like this is rare, and it gives us the stability to plan boldly.”
The Camber Foundation was established in 2022 and supports nonprofit organizations in Eastern North Carolina working in areas including health and wellness, education and economic development.
Feast Down East operates in Burgaw and Wilmington and works to connect farmers with new markets while expanding access to fresh, local food.
The organization’s annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Feast Down East Food Hub at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot, 115 S. Dickerson St. Tickets are $100.
