By Richa Puranik, Presented by TABLE
Mushrooms for Family Wellness: Nature’s Superfood from Gabor Farms
Partnerships are essential to the work TABLE does. Every week, TABLE delivers food to more than 1,125 kids in Orange County, and a big part of making that possible comes from working closely with local farms.
One of those farms is Gabor Farms in Richmond County. It is veteran-owned and family operated by Clarence and Tanya Dubois who are truly dedicated to making food accessible and affordable. Gabor specializes in cultivating mushrooms. Their farm includes temperature-controlled grow rooms, a sterile lab for experimentation, and even a classroom space for community education. Alongside mushrooms, they grow vegetables in open fields, tunnels, and greenhouses—many of which end up in TABLE’s weekly bags for local children. The level of care, creativity, and dedication to the way food is grown and shared is truly inspiring. It shows how deeply Clarence and Tanya value both their crops and their community.
“As farmers, we never really thought about partnering until we met this incredible person from TABLE. The friendship that developed made us realize it was something we had to be part of. When you can put a face to your product and think about how your crops will support families, it adds a personal touch that market growing alone doesn’t always give.”
— Tanya Dubois, Co-Owner of Gabor Farms
Clarence and Tanya Dubois
Why Mushrooms Make a Difference
Mushrooms might seem simple at first glance, but they deliver an impressive range of health benefits for growing kids and busy parents. Here’s what makes them a smart choice for families:
- Immune Boosters: Mushrooms contain macronutrients that support a healthy immune system, including: Selenium (prevents cell damage) and Vitamin B6 (cell health).
- Gut-Friendly Fiber: They are a great source of healthy fiber and support digestion and a healthy microbiome.
- Vitamin D: As one of the few plant-based sources of Vitamin D, mushrooms like maitake provide the recommended daily amount.
- Heart-Healthy Minerals: Mushrooms like shiitake help to keep cholesterol levels low. They contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol and lower the overall amount in your blood.
- Natural Defenders: Golden, oyster, shiitake, and white button mushrooms all play a part in preventing long-term diseases including mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
The best part?
Mushrooms are easy to work into meals you already make. Add them to pasta sauce, burger patties, toss them into a stir-fry, or even blend them into a smoothie.
From Farm to TABLE Kids
Gabor Farms demonstrates how thoughtful farming practices can benefit both families and communities. While mushrooms are their specialty, the vegetables grown alongside them play a direct role in TABLE’s mission by providing fresh, healthy food to local children.
Next time dinner plans take shape, exploring the mushrooms from Gabor Farms offers both flavor and wellness benefits. From fresh and dried mushrooms to seasonal vegetables, their careful cultivation reflects a dedication to nutrition, accessibility, and community impact.
Want to learn more about Gabor Farms and the work they are doing for NC families? Visit Gabor Farms. For more about how TABLE partners with farms like Gabor to deliver 60% more fresh food to children in our community, visit the TABLE Farm Partners page.
