In North Carolina, using SNAP benefits at farmers markets is easier than ever, and comes with exciting bonus incentives that help you stretch your food budget, support local farmers and enjoy fresh, seasonal produce. How SNAP Works at Farmers’ Markets Check for EBT-accepting markets Many markets across the state accept EBT/SNAP. In counties like Orange … Read more
Summary: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services operates four regional farmers markets that offer residents and farmers a place to buy and sell local produce and food products. Each market has served communities for 29 or more years. The Charlotte Regional Market celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Today’s Topic with Assistant Commissioner … Read more
This is an exciting time of the year. There is so much activity happening outdoors as plants reawaken, land is being tilled, planting decisions are taking shape, birds are building nests, and spring colors are dotting the landscape. It’s one of my favorite times of year because it signals new beginnings and the start of … Read more
Summary: Farmers markets are opening up around the state, welcoming farm fresh local commodities. Early season offerings include beets, blueberries, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, greens, peanuts, radishes, strawberries, sweet potatoes and zucchini. Activity is really beginning to pick up at farmers markets across the state with more and more seasonal produce becoming available. You … Read more
The holidays can be enjoyable but also stressful times, especially if there’s a big meal that’s part of the tradition. Some people easily source great local ingredients, plan everything perfectly and deliver a delicious meal for a crowd year after year. Others, on the other hand, can easily feel intimidated or overwhelmed. With a little … Read more
Farmers markets are bustling places across North Carolina with many fresh fruits, vegetables and meats being available now for shoppers. Supporting farmers markets helps support North Carolina farmers who face significant increases in input costs. Talking Points: Weren’t we just celebrating Christmas? And talking about North Carolina Christmas trees? It’s hard to believe it’s … Read more
When Demetrius Hunter looks around his community, he sees a lot of fast food and convenience stores. He is on a mission to change that. Hunter is program director for Grocers on Wheels, a non-profit initiative that works to decrease rural and urban community’s food insecurity. The initiative provides a mobile market to areas in … Read more
Where can we find farmers markets and what makes them successful? While celebrating National Farmers Market Week this week, the first week of August, we sat down for a few moments with Kevin Hardison, agricultural marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to discuss the great diversity of farmers markets available … Read more
National Farmers’ Market Week takes place Aug. 2-8, 2020. Farmers’ markets across North Carolina offer communities access to fresh, nutritious food, while also stimulating local economies. National Farmers’ Market Week is a time to celebrate those who produce fresh foods in our state. Whether you visit a roadside stand or the State Farmers’ Market, take … Read more
As many of North Carolina’s produce stands and farmers markets geared up for the spring and summer season this year, there were a lot of questions facing farmers and others who operate those markets. This big question about how to operate in the era of COVID-19, led to lots of other questions. “What should we … Read more
