Henderson County Strawberry Season Has Started!
Henderson County Strawberries are Now in Season Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring and nothing compares …
Local Foods
The Henderson County Center Local Foods contact is Karen Blaedow.
A Plethora of Peppers to Pick
Something a lot of gardeners shy away from is growing peppers. Peppers are not something most folks consume in …
Tips for Enjoying Strawberries
Strawberries are in season now and there are so many ways you can use them. You can make jams, …
Double Your EBT / SNAP Dollars and Shop Local!
Double Your EBT/SNAP Dollars and Shop Local! Stretching food dollars has never been more important. Find out below how and …
Fun With Garden Tomatoes - Lots of Choices
Tomatoes are the most commonly planted vegetable in the home garden. While a lot of folks go back to …
Learning to Garden Is Fun With 4-H!
4-H Gardening is a fun way for young people, ages 9–18, to learn how to grow a vegetable garden! …
It’s Farmers Market Time: Shop Safe, Support Local, Be Healthy!
Farmers Markets are essential to our local food system and fortunately for the community several Henderson County markets are …
COVID-19 Has Large Impact on Agritourism
Agritourism is a very important sector of Henderson County’s economy. With over 30 roadside apple markets, four farmers markets, …
Executive Order Reopens Meat Packing Facilities
Under an Executive Order by President Donald Trump, meat packing facilities will remain open during the COVID-19 crisis. The …
How to Make Quick Refrigerator Pickles
Have you made quick pickles before? It’s fast, easy, and fun. Onions, cucumbers, asparagus, parsnips, radishes, and pea pods …
Corona Virus Assistance for Agriculture - What's Happened So Far?
In response to the Corona virus, congress has authorized several spending bills to help affected sectors of the economy. …
Disinfectants, UV Light, and Heat to Inactivate SARS-CoV-2
Cleaning followed by disinfection of surfaces is a best practice measure for the prevention of COVID-19 and other viral …
Cleaning and Disinfecting
A lot of the guidance around preventing spread of COVID-19 says to clean and disinfect surfaces. But what does …
Purchasing Local Produce and Plants
Over the past several weeks our office has been receiving questions about where to purchase local produce and plants …
COVID-19 and Produce Food Safety
Food and food packaging are not considered significant ways of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Many people have …
COVID-19: What Steps Can I Take to Minimize Risk at the Grocery Store
Important steps to consider while you are grocery store to keep you, your family, grocery store employees and other food …
COVID-19 and Grocery Shopping
There are many questions surround grocery shopping and handling food during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no data currently that …
Winter Storm Food Safety
As winter storms approach North Carolina, there are steps you can take to prepare for food safety when the …
Internet Connectivity Survey for NC Farmers
The North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office, with the Friday Institute at NC State University, is conducting a five-minute survey to gather …
2020 Winter Apple School
Winter Apple School is approaching fast. If you plan to attend, register now to avoid the rush on event …
Learn More Using the Resources Below
- Local Food -- a Flagship Program for North Carolina Cooperative Extension
- NC Community Gardens
- NC Fresh Produce Safety
Key Local Food Topics
- Local Food System Supply Chain
- NC Organizations and State Partners
- Nutrition and Health
- Strong Communities
- Youth, Families and Communities
Publications, Information, and News
- From Farm to Fork: A Guide to Building North Carolina's Sustainable Local Food Economy
- Growing Small Farms - NCCE Chatham County Center
Resources
Recent Publications related to Local Foods
Snacking and Cooking with Warm-Season Produce from Childcare Production Gardens
This publication includes simple recipes that childcare center cooks and educators can use to engage …
2 weeks ago — Local Foods: Childcare Center Production Gardens
Snacking and Cooking With Cool-Season Produce From Childcare Production Gardens
This publication includes simple recipes that childcare center cooks and educators can use to engage …
2 weeks ago — Local Foods: Childcare Center Production Gardens
Growing Cool-Season Vegetables in Childcare Production Gardens
This publication focuses on easy-to-grow, child-friendly, cool-season vegetables suitable for childcare center gardening. This is …
2 weeks ago — Local Foods: Childcare Center Production Gardens
Growing Warm-Season Fruits and Vegetables in Childcare Production Gardens
This publication focuses on easy-to-grow, child-friendly, warm-season fruits and vegetables suitable for childcare center gardening. …
2 weeks ago — Local Foods: Childcare Center Production Gardens
Creating Childcare Center Production Gardens
This publication focuses on developing fruit and vegetable production gardens in the Outdoor Learning Environment …
2 weeks ago — Local Foods: Childcare Center Production Gardens
Growing and Cooking Fruits and Vegetables at Childcare Centers
This factsheet summarizes the benefits of fruit and vegetable gardening with children. It includes age-appropriate …
2 weeks ago — Local Foods: Childcare Center Production Gardens
Vermicomposting in Childcare Center Gardens
This publication is a how-to guide for starting a garden-related vermicomposting bin in a childcare …
Composting in Childcare Center Gardens
This publication is a how-to guide for starting a garden-related standard compost bin in a …