Summer is a time of surplus, there’s more than enough heat, beach trips, and produce to go around! Here in Eastern North Carolina we are surrounded by farms. This accounts for the mouth-watering display of produce grown and sold by local vendors every year. Farmers’ markets are an opportunity for farmers and artisans to sell directly to shoppers and are one of the oldest forms of direct marketing by small farmers. Locally grown produce is fresher and cheaper than what is found at the major food chains, and it is a powerful way to support our local economy.
So, make sure those reusable shopping bags are in the car and prepare to whittle down your grocery list at a fraction of the price! It’s time for summer Farmers’ Markets.
Onslow County Farmers’ Market
https://www.onslowcountyfarmersmarket.com/
The Onslow County Farmers’ Market is a 22-year tradition in Jacksonville. Along with locally grown produce, vendors also offer a range of other products such as cheese and baked goods to shoppers. This market accepts SNAP/EBT as well as Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers (WIC & Seniors)
- 4024 Richlands Hwy 258 in Jacksonville
- Tuesdays from 9:30 am-1:30 pm through August 18, 2019
- Saturdays from 8:30 am- 1:30 pm through November 17, 2019
- Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville
- Thursdays from 10:00 am-2:00 pm through August 30, 2019
Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market
http://poplargrove.org/farmers-market/
Located on the front yard of the Poplar Grove Plantation, this market has stable tours and a plant clinic is presented on the second Wednesday of each month by Pender County Master Gardeners (PCMG). During market days the grounds and outbuildings are open to the public.
- 10200 Hwy 17 in Wilmington
- Wednesdays from 8:00 am-1:00 pm through September 25, 2019
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
We encourage everyone to take advantage of the summer markets as an alternative to chains throughout the season. It is also worthwhile to look into joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. CSA’s are food subscription groups. The shopper effectively provides a farm with a micro-loan in exchange for a regular delivery box of produce. Not only does this help support the farmer but also creates a relationship between grower and consumer. The prices of different shares and what produce they contain vary from between CSA’s. To find a local CSA that works best for you, visit https://www.localharvest.org/csa/.
What is a CSA?
Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. For over 25 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.
Want to add a farmers’ market or CSA to our list? Email us the info! rciplustopsail@gmail.com
When farmers’ markets aren’t open, you can always stop past Andrews Produce for your produce needs.