A little fresh produce can go a long way.

That’s the idea behind Food Bank of the Albemarle, which collects and distributes produce to those in need within a 15-county area of northeastern North Carolina. The produce is good to eat but may not be up to the cosmetic standards of corporate companies to buy, so it is often thrown out and wasted.

As Beaufort and Hyde counties are within the food bank’s service area, one local group recently stepped up to contribute to the cause.

The food bank received $660 in grant money from the Beaufort-Hyde Community Foundation in Swan Quarter on Tuesday — money that will go toward collection efforts from food sources throughout the service area.

Carolyn Anderson, director of development at Food Bank of the Albemarle, said collecting the food requires bags, pallets and bins for storage and distribution. Those costs can add up, and the grant money will help to offset that cost.

Finding the funds for food collection makes the process go more smoothly, and it eliminates any added burden on the food suppliers and companies donating, she said.

“We’re basically providing the supplies and the little incidentals necessary to make it happen,” Anderson said. “They’re providing all the labor to harvest the crop, which can be quite expensive.”

According to Anderson, Food Bank of the Albemarle relies on its connections with community partners to be successful, including businesses, growers and donations.

The organization is always looking for new partners who are interested in donating unwanted food or grant money that allows the food bank to continue its mission to feed those in need.

“We do rely a lot on grant funding,” she said. “We want to ensure these monies are used to benefit the families in Beaufort and Hyde counties.”