When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
The Produce Project
Why The Produce Project is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Produce Project is a unique and impactful nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families through access to fresh produce and nutrition education. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, it operates with a mission to combat food insecurity by offering a subscription service where members receive large shares of fresh bulk produce each week or every other week. Subscribers can take what they want and leave the rest, fostering a sense of sharing and community. Leftover produce is then donated to local charities and distributed to those in need, ensuring minimal waste and maximum benefit to the community. This model allows for an affordable and sustainable way for people to access healthy food while supporting those who struggle with food insecurity. The Produce Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that emphasizes holistic community wellness, not only by increasing food access but also by educating on nutrition to help families make informed decisions about their diets. With flexible subscription options and convenient pick-up times, it serves as a great place for friends and community members to engage, support each other, and promote a healthier lifestyle together.
Here's what people think of The Produce Project
As of recent, The Produce Project holds a 5-star rating based on 54 reviews.
Reviews of The Produce Project are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its perfect 5.0 rating from 54 reviews. Users praise the organization's dedication to quality, community focus, and the excellent value of their produce shares. Many reviewers highlight the freshness and variety of the produce, appreciating how the project makes healthy food accessible and affordable. Users commend the mission-driven aspect, noting the satisfaction that comes from contributing to a greater cause that supports food-insecure families. The flexibility of pick-up times and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere further enhance the experience. On the positive side, reviewers often mention the strong sense of community and the organization's transparency in how extra shares are donated. While negative feedback is minimal, some users have noted occasional issues such as limited variety depending on seasonal availability or minor logistical challenges during busy pick-up times. However, these points are infrequent and do not significantly impact the overall satisfaction. In conclusion, the reviews reflect a highly trusted and valued community resource that successfully combines quality produce distribution with a social mission, making it a beloved local institution for both consumers and recipients alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
M B
We’ve been loyal Produce Project subscribers for about 4 years. Can’t beat the value of at least two VERY full grocery bags of fresh produce, as well as supporting a good cause.
KK
Finally a share that is a great value. As a, "family of one" vegetable eater there is plenty for me and what I can't use doesn't get tossed in garage it gets donated. The volunteers are super friendly.
Div
Love what you folks are doing to help support local distributors. $20 for a box of green vegetables and fruits once a week is pretty awesome.. thanks for your help and support. And they are so nice and helpful.. it's a pleasant and warm welcome to the neighborhood 🤗
Deepak Kolte
So much produce at so less cost! It helps me eat different fruits/veggies instead of same ones. Staff is very nice and they also donate left over produce to those in need! I volunteered once and it was a great experience! There are some inconveniences which can be an issue for some people. But still a fantastic deal for me! 1. A delivery option would be great if possible. 2. Pick up locations are all around North &/East Raleigh. It would be great to have locations accessible to Durham, Cary and also South. 3. Produce is not refrigerated, so it starts going bad soon especially leafy greens. 4. It would be great if pick up days were more spread out throughout the week instead of consecutive middle days in the week. Overall they are doing a wonderful job and I love their mission and service! Thanks 😊
Kristin Ennis
We have been getting produce weekly from The Produce Project for years. It's better than a typical share because you only take what you need and can use, and donate the rest to others. You can also donate a full share weekly to local families which is amazing. I love that if there is a week that we cannot make it or do not need more produce, our share gets donated too. On top of all of that, the shares are more affordable than if you were to buy the same produce at the store. We save money even with buying a share and donating a share each week. I highly recommend The Produce Project!
How to reach The Produce Project
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Website: None
Why rally at The Produce Project with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meaningful and enjoyable outing is always rewarding, and The Produce Project in Raleigh, North Carolina stands out as an ideal spot for such meetups. Imagine uniting over a shared love of fresh, wholesome food while supporting a compassionate cause—this unique atmosphere transforms a simple group gathering into an experience that fills both hearts and stomachs. The Produce Project offers vibrant community energy, friendly volunteer staff, and a mission-focused environment that inspires connection and conversation. Unlike ordinary grocery shopping or dining out, rallying here means you're contributing to fighting food insecurity—the money you spend directly funds the donation of fresh produce to families in need. This blend of social good and access to high-quality, affordable fruits and vegetables invites groups not merely to meet but to rally around a common purpose. Friends can bond through the shared discovery of seasonal produce, participate in packing or distributing food donations, or simply enjoy the lively, welcoming vibe. This is not just about the produce but also the worldview it fosters—one of community care and mindful consumption—making The Produce Project a genuinely special place for a meetup.
What activities can your group enjoy at The Produce Project?
The Produce Project offers much more than just access to produce shares; it provides a variety of activities perfectly tailored for groups, ensuring your meetup is engaging and purposeful. Primarily, participants can subscribe to a weekly or bi-weekly produce share, where large boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables are available for pick-up on Wednesdays or Thursdays. This subscription model is perfect for groups who want to explore new ingredients together, perhaps planning shared meals afterward or cooking classes at home. Another enriching activity is the chance to volunteer alongside your friends; since the organization is all volunteer-run, groups can engage in sorting, packing, or distributing produce to the community, deepening your connection as you work towards a shared goal. Additionally, The Produce Project hosts educational sessions on nutrition and healthy eating, which can be a fun and informative group activity, enhancing everyone’s understanding and appreciation of what goes on their plates. The backdrop is always the welcoming atmosphere created by kind volunteers and fellow community members, making it ideal for conversations and bonding. In short, groups benefit from a mix of purchasing fresh, high-value produce, volunteer opportunities, and nutritional education—all woven into one cohesive visit.
Why is The Produce Project perfect for a group meetup?
The Produce Project’s design and mission make it naturally suited to group meetups centered on social impact, health, and community spirit. With its nonprofit model focused on accessibility and generosity, groups can enjoy quality produce at a lower cost than typical grocery stores while knowing their funds help feed those in need. This creates a unique sense of shared purpose, which strengthens relationships in a way few other venues do. The space itself is intimate and informal, welcoming conversational flow and easy mingling. It's open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., providing flexible timing options that can accommodate most group schedules without rushing. For larger friend or family gatherings, the large produce shares encourage interactive unpacking and tasting sessions, sparking discussions about recipes, health tips, or sustainability. Plus, the transparent model of "take what you want, leave the rest" invites generosity even within your group, fostering a spirit of sharing not just with yourselves but extending compassion outward. This mix of values, flexibility, and fresh food creates an environment where groups can both relax and engage meaningfully, making The Produce Project an outstanding choice for hosting meetups.
How does the donation aspect enhance the meetup experience?
One of the most compelling reasons to gather at The Produce Project is its powerful impact through food donation, which adds a profound layer to any group activity. Each produce share purchased funds the weekly donation of leftover produce to local charities and individuals in need, including low-income families. When you bring your friends here, the social experience extends beyond your immediate circle to the wider community. Many groups find this deeply rewarding—it’s a shared act of kindness, enabling group members to feel connected to a mission bigger than themselves. In practical terms, after picking up your shares, your group might choose to volunteer together in sorting donations or distributing food, enhancing your outing with purposeful teamwork. This hands-on involvement can spark valuable conversations about food justice, nutrition equity, and community support. The opportunity to witness your collective impact first-hand while enjoying fresh, high-quality produce enriches the meetup, making it not just fun but fulfilling and inspiring for all participants.
What makes The Produce Project stand out from other places to meet?
Unlike typical venues such as restaurants, cafes, or even farmers’ markets, The Produce Project offers a unique hybrid of community service, nutrition education, and access to bulk produce at great value. This nonprofit is volunteer-run, ensuring that nearly all proceeds go directly toward its mission of combating food insecurity. That means your visit supports a cause without compromising quality or experience. The focus on vegan and fresh produce options creates a health-conscious environment attractive to groups interested in wellness and sustainability. Furthermore, the produce shares are thoughtfully curated to include a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, providing a fun and educational way to explore new flavors together. The fact that leftovers are donated amplifies the social good, setting it apart as a place where your meetup dollars multiply their impact. Flexibility in subscription (weekly or bi-weekly) and hours (afternoon to evening) accommodates varied group schedules. Added to this is the community’s reputation for kindness and welcoming spirit, making everyone feel at home and part of a bigger family. These qualities combine to define The Produce Project as a distinctly meaningful and enjoyable gathering spot.
How can groups maximize their experience when visiting The Produce Project?
To get the most out of a group visit to The Produce Project, consider a few strategies that enhance engagement and enjoyment. First, subscribing as a group can be a fun shared endeavor—coordinate your produce share pickups together and plan cooking sessions where everyone contributes to meal preparation using the fresh ingredients. This approach transforms the visit into a bonding culinary adventure. Second, take advantage of the volunteer aspect by setting aside some time to help sort or distribute food donations as a group activity. This not only amplifies your group’s impact but deepens the social connection through shared service. Third, bring educational curiosity—explore nutrition facts, cooking tips, or seasonal produce guides and exchange ideas during your meetup. Fourth, engage with the staff and volunteers to learn more about The Produce Project’s mission, which often inspires participants to commit more deeply to community support. Finally, spread the word—groups can encourage others in their social circles to join or subscribe, broadening the project’s reach and multiplying benefits. With these approaches, visits become dynamic, impactful experiences that foster friendship, learning, and generosity simultaneously.
Where is The Produce Project located, and how accessible is it for group meetups?
The Produce Project is conveniently located at 1829 Capital Blvd, Suite 117, Raleigh, North Carolina, a central spot easily accessible by car or public transportation. This accessibility makes it straightforward to coordinate group meetups without hassle. Its location in a community-oriented area means there are often surrounding amenities such as parking, cafes, or parks where groups can continue their socializing before or after their visit. The facility itself is designed to accommodate groups picking up produce shares or volunteering together, with flexible hours from Tuesday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., providing ample opportunity to fit meetups around busy schedules. The size and layout support easy movement and gathering, ensuring your group can interact comfortably. Whether you're planning an afternoon meetup to pick up produce and learn or an early evening volunteer session, the location’s convenience supports a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
What are the reviews and community feedback about The Produce Project?
With a near-perfect 5.0-star rating from 54 reviews, The Produce Project enjoys strong community endorsement, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere, affordability, and impactful mission. Reviewers frequently comment on the kindness and helpfulness of the volunteers, making every visit friendly and pleasant. Many note how the produce quality surpasses that of typical grocery stores while maintaining affordability, especially valuable for groups looking to enjoy fresh food together without a steep price. The organization's commitment to donating leftover shares and supporting those in need resonates deeply, making patrons feel proud to support such a cause. Several reviewers mention the convenience of the pickup schedule, the variety of produce offered, and the educational component as significant positives. This strong positive feedback underscores the sense that The Produce Project is more than a food resource—it is a hub for community connection, social responsibility, and health awareness, making it a top choice for group meetups that want more from their time together.
What nutritional and educational benefits does The Produce Project provide to groups?
The Produce Project not only supplies fresh, nutritious produce but also actively promotes education on healthy eating and nutrition, which is particularly beneficial for groups looking to develop better food habits together. Through their produce shares, subscribers gain exposure to a wide range of fruits and vegetables, some of which may be new to participants, encouraging culinary experimentation and diversity. This is complemented by nutritional information often shared by volunteers, enabling groups to learn the health benefits of various items and ways to integrate them into their diets. The organization frequently offers educational content and can facilitate conversations about food justice, sustainability, and the importance of nutrition in overall wellbeing. For groups committed to wellness, this makes The Produce Project an enriching environment where members not only eat well but also expand their knowledge about food’s role in health. Sharing these learning experiences can motivate group members to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles, amplifying the impact of the meetup beyond just the time spent on site.
How does The Produce Project balance affordability with quality produce?
One of the distinctive strengths of The Produce Project is its ability to provide exceptional quality, fresh produce at prices lower than typical grocery stores, thanks to its nonprofit bulk-buying model. For just around $20 to $25 per share, subscribers receive large boxes filled with a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meaning groups can enjoy abundant fresh food without breaking the bank. This affordability makes it accessible for diverse groups, including those mindful of budget constraints, while maintaining high nutritional and flavor standards. The produce is sourced in bulk and distributed efficiently, reducing costs and waste. Moreover, the nonprofit’s mission to donate leftover shares ensures surplus does not go to waste, emphasizing sustainability. This balance of quality and cost empowers groups to have great culinary experiences, try new ingredients, and support food equity all at once. It creates an inclusive environment where affordability does not mean sacrificing nutrition or taste.
What future opportunities and events might groups look forward to at The Produce Project?
While The Produce Project primarily focuses on produce shares and food donations, its community-driven nature suggests potential for expanding group-oriented events and happenings. Nearby community members and groups can anticipate opportunities such as cooking demonstrations, nutrition workshops, and volunteer days that foster learning and collaboration. The nonprofit status and active volunteer base open doors for themed events around holidays, seasonal harvests, or global food awareness days where groups can gather for both education and celebration. Hosting meetups that combine food distribution with community-building activities is a natural progression, providing even richer group experiences. These events would deepen social ties, increase engagement with the project’s mission, and offer diverse ways for groups to connect. By staying involved and connected with The Produce Project, groups will likely find multiple avenues to enrich their gatherings with meaningful content and joyful community spirit in future visits.