FARMERS MARKET

Alma Borquez of Mama Jean’s Produce prepares to make sales to customers on April 4 at the opening of the Nash County Farmers Market. Photo by William F. West

By Paige Minshew

The Nash County Farmers Market has served the community since April 2005.

As a way to encourage local farmers to increase production of their products, the Farmers Market provides a storefront for retail sales. Products available for purchase are local produce, homemade baked goods, seafood and meats, flowers and personal care products.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension believes this market philosophy is consistent with long-term economic development and preservation of the local farming community. Seasonal availability of locally produced agricultural products greatly determines the market’s operating schedule.

As COVID-19 continued to ravage the world, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following statement: “According to guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, farmers markets fall under the same classification as grocery stores and are considered an important source of food for local communities.”

Recipients of Food and Nutrition Services can now use their EBT cards to access benefits at farmers markets this year. Also new this year is a program geared towards SNAP/EBT users called Fresh Bucks. Fresh Bucks tokens are extra market dollars for SNAP/EBT users to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets. Fresh Bucks double the buying power of SNAP/EBT users at farmers markets. For each dollar a SNAP user withdraws from their account to spend at a farmers market, they will be matched an additional dollar, up to a total of $20 of Fresh Bucks.

Fresh Bucks can only be used for fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables. Fresh Bucks double buying power will only be

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Ann Dill, left, purchases eggs from Karen White of Twin Oaks Farm on April 4 at the Nash County Farmers Market. Photo by William F. West

Damian Taylor of the Washington Crab & Oyster Co. sells crabs on April 4 at the Nash County Farmers Market. Joy Morgan of Farm 1839 puts baked goods out for sale on April 4 at the Nash County Farmers Market. Photos by William F. West

available for a limited time.

Local residents don’t mind the heat that comes with North Carolina summers because the Nash County Farmers Market is such a fun retreat and a tradition for many. Resident Kathy Bowman said she enjoys the time she and her family spend at the Farmers Market.

“Always a friendly face ready to help — great selection of fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, flowers and handmade crafts,” she said. “We always look forward to Saturdays where we know we’ll find special items.”

The market isn’t just a place for farmers to sell their products for people to purchase. The market is a thriving place full of people appreciating the hard work farmers undertake in growing and harvesting their products. It’s also a great opportunity for people to socialize and learn more about the fresh and unique products their community produces. Shoppers come to enjoy the Farmers Market experience and get a first-hand opportunity to see what their community has to offer.

“The Farmers Market in Rocky Mount is a great collection of produce vendors, personal care vendors and arts and crafts vendors,” John Haggerty said. “The people are wonderful to talk with and exchange daily stories and thoughts. We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the market and look forward to the future.”

The Nash County Farmers Market is located at 1006 Peachtree St. in the Rocky Mount Mills Village Historic District and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The market is a thriving place full of people appreciating the hard work farmers undertake in growing and harvesting their products.

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