Our Programs

Mitchell Giving Gardens cultivates community through hands-on programs that grow food, knowledge, and connection across Mitchell County.

Our core programs aim to help people meet their basic food needs, promote healthy lifestyles, and empower them to grow food.

From our demonstration and teaching garden to fresh food distributions and seasonal workshops, each initiative works toward the same goal—building a stronger, more resilient local food system.

A cardboard box filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, including red potatoes, green and yellow bell peppers, cucumbers, blueberries, and a small bunch of grapes, with some leafy greens in the center.

The Garden
+ Education

Our garden is the heart of our operation and serves as an outdoor classroom providing hands-on learning opportunities. We demonstrate regenerative techniques to inspire and educate home gardeners.

Community volunteers and school groups of all ages participate in weekly work days and are vital to the success of our garden. Volunteers are mentored on best practices to increase their knowledge and skills.

Formal workshops follow the arc of the growing season to provide practical and useful information on specific topics.

The Garden

Volunteer

Older man gardening in a lush outdoor garden, wearing an orange T-shirt and cap, surrounded by green plants and pink coneflowers.

Person holding a sunflower face in the mitchell giving garden with blooming pink dahlias and plant beds in the background.

Person watering plants with a garden hose in a garden bed with green leaves and flowers.

Hands planting small green seedlings into soil in a garden bed.

Harvest Tables

Our Harvest Table events bring the community together to share the abundance of our region. Fresh, locally grown produce is offered at no cost to individuals and families across Mitchell County. These events also serve as community resource fairs where partner organizations share information about relevant services.

Our Harvest Table season currently runs from May to September. Check back for more details and specific dates.

Learn more

A man standing outdoors holding a box of fresh vegetables and fruits. There are two signs on the grass in front of him: one reads "FRESH FOOD MARKET" and the other "ALIMENTOS FRESCOS." The background features a large tree, a grassy area, a white fence, and a road with power lines overhead.

People at an outdoor farmers market with fresh produce such as yellow peppers, green leaves, and boxes of vegetables and fruits under a tent.

Young girl in a blue chevron dress picking lettuce at an outdoor farm stand with garden beds and greenery in the background.

A kid at a farmers market standing behind a table of fresh produce, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and greens, with a sign in the background that reads 'Giving Gardens'.

The Home Gardener Program

The Home Gardener Program empowers residents to grow their own food at home. Participants receive raised-bed kits including soil, plants, and educational support throughout the season. By providing resources and mentorship, the program helps households increase food security and gain confidence in growing, harvesting, and preparing their own food.

Applications for the 2026 program will be available in late February.

Two people standing in the mitchell giving garden with raised beds, holding a box labeled "Raised Garden Bed." They are outdoors with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

A young girl planting a seed in a garden bed with dirt, surrounded by green plants and trees.

A small dog with a red harness sitting on top of multiple white bags of potting soil in a backyard garden. There are potted plants and tomato vines in the background, as well as a wooden fence and a raised garden bed.

Raised garden bed with young vegetable plants, surrounded by flowers and plants in a lush backyard garden.

WNCStrong
Youth Service Corps

The WNCStrong Youth Service Corps engages young people in service learning focused on agriculture, disaster recovery, and community building. Youth participants gain invaluable hands-on experience through paid internships while contributing to a stronger local food system. Through this program, the next generation learns the value of service and stewardship in growing a resilient future.