Freshly picked, in-season produce is at its peak in flavor and nutrition and that is one of the many reasons why North Carolinians shop at farmers’ markets in our state.
North Carolina farmers’ markets are not only a great source of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food, they are also a wonderful way to support local farmers and the local economy.
Through recent efforts both locally and nationally, more and more farmers’ markets are accepting SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps), increasing food insecure families’ access to nutritious foods while creating increased revenue for local farmers.
In fact, 1 in 8 farmer’s markets nationally now accept SNAP benefits, as local vendors find it to be an important way to increase their sales and even stabilize their markets. Learn more about how SNAP dollars help support the North Carolina economy here.
Individuals facing food insecurity are at a greater risk of diet-related illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes. This is true for a variety of reasons, including a lack of access to fresh, nutritious foods because they live in a food desert or because of the prohibitive cost of fresh and healthy foods.
“Farmer’s markets are an important piece of the food system because they allow EBT recipients to access fresh, wholesome foods at an affordable price and in locales that are convenient to them and their families,” says Sonsera Kiger, Second Harvest Food Bank’s Food and Nutrition Services Outreach Coordinator.
“Furthermore, many farmers’ markets are reaching out explicitly to under-served neighborhoods and food deserts, mitigating transportation barriers and often providing a match to make EBT dollars go even further!” Second Harvest’s team spends many summer days parked at local farmer’s markets helping families apply for SNAP and access other resources that may be able to help their families.
Ready to pick up the perfect springtime greens and the summer’s perfect slicing tomato? Below are the local farmer’s markets in Northwest North Carolina that are currently accepting SNAP benefits.
Farmers’ Market Burlington Downtown Farmers’ Market, Corner of Front & Spring Streets, Burlington, ALAMANCE COUNTY Farmers’ Market At North Park, 849 Sharpe Rd, Burlington, ALAMANCE COUNTY Lenoir Downtown Farmers’ Market, 385 Harper Ave SW, Lenoir, CALDWELL COUNTY Old Salem Cobblestone Farmers’ Market, West & Salt Street intersection, Winston-Salem, FORSYTH COUNTY Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market,421 W 27th St, Winston-Salem, FORSYTH COUNTY Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville St, Greensboro, GUILFORD COUNTY Grove Street People’s Market, 1200 Grove St, Greensboro, GUILFORD COUNTY Healing Springs Farmacy, 1300 Ashe St, Greensboro, GUILFORD COUNTY Josh’s Farmers’ Market, 189 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, IREDELL COUNTY Market Square Farmers’ Market, 303 S Scales St, Reidsville, ROCKINGHAM COUNTY West Rock Farmers’ Market. Ayersville Rd, Mayodan, ROCKINGHAM COUNTY Boone Farmers’ Market, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, WATAUGA COUNTY Watauga County Farmers’ Market, 591 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, WATAUGA COUNTY Wilkes County Farmers’ Market, 700 Cbd Loop, N. Wilkesboro, WILKES COUNTY
