Lenoir County Farmers Market Revitalization Community Based Food Systems

Lenoir County Farmers Market Revitalization Project Goals Establish the Lenoir County Farmers Market as a destination place to be Create opportunities for farmers to sell direct to consumers in cities or neighborhoods where access to fresh, local produce is limited. Recruit local food producers to serve on the Farmers Market Advisory Board

Lenoir County Farmers Market Revitalization Project Goals Develop stronger farm and community connections in order to better meet the demand for local produce. Make Farmers Market improvements and upgrades to facility, structurally and aesthetically Procure a seasonal part time Market Manager Revitalize Farmers Market Rules and

Lenoir County Farmers Market Revitalization Project Partners Leaders Tammy Kelly, Lenoir County Extension Director Mark Seitz, Area Agent Commercial Horticulture and Marketing, NC Cooperative Extension Pat Jenkins, Lenoir County Farmers Market Manager Community Partners Walter Adams, NC A&T State University Agriculture Technician Ben Knight & Vivian Howard – co-owners The Chef & The Farmer Restaurant Adrian King – Pride of Kinston Downtown Economic Development Chairperson Laura Lee Sylvester – Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, President Lucy Marsten – Lenoir County Tourism Director Steve Putnam – Putnam Family Farms, Kinston, NC Warren Brothers – Brothers Farms, LaGrange, NC Linda Brandt – Lenoir Memorial Hospital

Whats Cooking at the Farmers Market? Project Results The Lenoir County Farmers Market enjoyed four-fold growth in its 30-week 2010 season The Community-Based Food System Team, focused on looking for ways to support the NC 10% Buy Local Foods Initiative, and, Helped to establish a Farmers Market Advisory Committee of key community leaders to set new policies for the Market, thus prompting area food producers to participate in the Market.

Whats Cooking at the Farmers Market? Project Results A Pride of Kinston Façade Grant matched by Lenoir County provided basic landscaping and repairs. The resulting increase from 4 to 15 vendors prompted County government to contract a 16 hours/week Market manager to manage site operations, monitor members, and recruit new vendors Two series of Cooking Demonstrations added to the Market customer base while teaching the public to cook and eat healthy and purchase from the Lenoir County Farmers Market The increased activity made obvious the need for major renovations; the parking lots condition deterred some potential customers and is a liability for vendors. The vendors, meeting with Market management, have expressed their appreciation for the new Market management, and asked unanimously for an additional market day.

Lenoir County Farmers Market Revitalization Whats Cooking at the Farmers Market? Demo #1--Bill Tsao stir fried everything at the market! Allowed the children to pick out mystery vegetables to cook and taste!

Whats Cooking at the Farmers Market? Lessons Learned Fostering community relationships is critical, especially within the general area As the Farmers Market customer and vendor numbers increase so do the needs of the Market Marketing the market is essential! Providing community activities that create additional audiences is a great way to increase customer base. Support of County Government will be a great asset.