We’re thrilled that WECT did a feature to highlight the new Farmer Foodshare Donation Stations at the Wilmington and Poplar Grove Farmers Markets — and so grateful for our Cooperative Extension partners for making it possible!
Introducing Donation Stations: A new way for the community to support local farmers and food security
by Gabrielle Williams
The New Hanover County Cooperative Extension is launching Donation Stations at local farmers’ markets.
Here’s how it works: shoppers will be able to buy fresh produce from local farmers and vendors and then donate it at a station, or they can donate money which will be used to buy produce at the market. At the end of each market, that donated food will be given to local food pantries in the area.
“The idea is that it’s a win-win for everybody," says Morgan Marshall, the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with NHC Cooperative Extension. “So we’re not asking for a discounted rate on produce; we’re giving the farmers the full amount of what their produce is worth. We’re not giving food pantry clients that B-grade, second-hand produce. They’re getting produce that looks like it came from a farmers’ market.”
The Donation Stations will be at the Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek and the Poplar Grove Farmers Market. They will be there on the first and third Saturdays and Wednesdays of each month from now through September.