Reynolds American Supports Expansion of Fresh Food Access and Farmer Livelihood Efforts in North Carolina

Reynolds American Senior Director of Community Engagement & Sustainability Kara Calderon (right) joins Second Harvest Food Bank Northwest NC CEO Eric Aft (left) and Happy Dirt CEO Sandi Kronick (center) at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC in Winston-Salem, N.C.

New $200,000 contribution builds on successful partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC and Happy Dirt

Winston-Salem, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2026) - Reynolds American Inc. (Reynolds American) has provided a $200,000 contribution to support the continued growth of a collaborative effort between Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC and Happy Dirt, helping expand access to organic fresh produce while creating market opportunities for North Carolina farmers, including those with ties to tobacco production who are diversifying their operations through organic fruit and vegetable production.

The contribution builds on the success of the program's first year, which served more than 384,000 individuals and resulted in the distribution of more than 250,000 pounds of fresh produce, including 12 North Carolina crops sourced from 27 farms and delivered throughout Second Harvest's 18-county service area. Participating growers included seven North Carolina farms with ties to tobacco production.

Happy Dirt is a North Carolina-based organic produce wholesale distributor with farmer ownership that aggregates, distributes and markets organic produce grown by farmers across the Southeast. Many of the growers it supports are current or former tobacco farmers, or live in tobacco-dependent communities, and are working to diversify their operations through expanded organic fruit and vegetable production and access to new wholesale markets.

"Last year's results demonstrated the value of connecting local farmers with families and communities in need," said Kara Calderon, senior director of sustainability and community engagement within the Reynolds American organization. "Agriculture has helped shape North Carolina for generations. Supporting initiatives that expand access to fresh produce while creating new opportunities for farmers aligns with our longstanding connection to agricultural communities."

Through the program, Second Harvest purchases fresh produce at market rates from Happy Dirt, and distributes it through its network of partner agencies, helping increase access to nutritious food while supporting local agricultural producers. Happy Dirt coordinates sourcing from regional growers and helps connect farmers with the program, ensuring fresh produce moves efficiently from farms to food bank partners across Northwest North Carolina.

By improving access to fresh food and supporting farmer livelihoods, the collaboration benefits both rural communities and agricultural producers that have long contributed to North Carolina's economy.

"Working alongside Second Harvest has allowed us to create a model that benefits everyone involved, from the farmers growing the produce to the families receiving it," said Sandi Kronick, founder and chief executive officer of Happy Dirt. "Many of the growers we support have roots in tobacco farming and are building new opportunities through organic fruit and vegetable production. This partnership gives our North Carolina farmers one more strong outlet for their crops while putting fresh, nutritious organic produce into the hands of North Carolinians who need it most."

The renewed funding will support the existing purchase program and add an additional box program in which Happy Dirt will procure, purchase and deliver North Carolina seasonal produce boxes to Second Harvest, reducing volunteer labor needed to sort and pack produce while improving the food bank's ability to put fresh, local produce directly into the hands of families. Funding will cover 150 packed boxes per week for 24 weeks, building on the approximately 250,000 pounds of produce to be purchased through the established program.

"Fresh produce can make a meaningful difference for families facing food insecurity, and this partnership helps ensure more of that food reaches our communities," said Eric Aft, chief executive officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. "By purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables such as corn, sweet potatoes, broccoli, collard greens, and tomatoes, we're supporting North Carolina farmers while expanding access to healthy food across our region." The contribution reflects Reynolds American's continued support for initiatives that strengthen communities across North Carolina.

About Reynolds American Inc. Reynolds American Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the global BAT Group and the U.S. parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., American Snuff Company, LLC, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, and Modoral Brands Inc. References to "Reynolds American," "the group," "the company," "the organization," "we," "us," and "our" are simply for convenience and are not intended to imply or suggest that the subsidiaries' businesses are operated other than as separate, distinct businesses. To learn more about Reynolds American Inc. and its operating companies, please visit www.reynoldsamerican.com .

About Happy Dirt Founded in 2004 and rebranded in 2019, Happy Dirt® is a North Carolina-based organic produce wholesaler owned by two staff members and 16 farmers. The company offers a full line of organic vegetables and seasonal fruits grown primarily on the East Coast, including a year-round supply of organic sweet potatoes and greens. Happy Dirt serves large and independent retailers, co-ops, buying clubs, restaurants, and more across the East Coast and beyond, with both FTL and LTL distribution. For more information, visit happydirt.com.

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC works with a network of partner agencies across an 18-county service area to address food insecurity and improve access to nutritious food. Through programs such as Farm Fresh Nourish, the organization connects local farms with communities while supporting regional agricultural producers

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