Each weekend in the Triangle, farmers’ markets are filled with customers looking for fresh, local produce. And they are far from disappointed with what they find. Tomatoes, collards, apples, strawberries, broccoli, yellow squash and many more fruits and vegetables can currently be found at farmers’ markets across the region. You don’t have to be the biggest fan of produce to find something that appeals to your tastes at these open-air markets. Shoppers often find local baked goods, meats, cheeses and handmade soaps, candles and even locally-made dog treats as well.
While cash remains the preferred method of payment at most farmers’ markets, some vendors accept credit cards as well. In addition, a growing number of vendors are now accepting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. EBT cards are part of the Food Assistance Program, once known as food stamps. This program helps low-income families obtain nutritious food. At some farmers’ markets, such as the State Farmers’ Market in Raleigh, only a few vendors accept EBT cards as a form of payment for their goods. Others, such as the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, let EBT customers purchase tokens with their EBT card, which can then be used for payment at any of the market’s vendors of produce. The Carrboro Farmers’ Market also offers a $5 matching program sponsored by UNC Health Care, which means EBT card users can buy $5 in produce and receive another $5 of produce for free. Similarly, the Raleigh Downtown Farmers’ Market will double EBT dollars up to $10. This means EBT card users can get $20 worth of fresh produce for $10.
But what does, “local” mean, exactly? Each market establishes their own criteria for where participants must live or produce their wares in relation to the market to participate. For example, all vendors at the Durham Farmers’ Market must be located within 70 miles of the market. Vendors at the Cary Downtown Farmers’ Market must live and grow their products within 100 miles of downtown Cary. Wherever your farmers’ market adventure takes you this weekend, you’re sure to find something new and exciting to try.
State Farmers’ Market
1201 Agriculture St Raleigh, NC 27603
Monday-Saturday 5 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Open 7 days a week, year-round.
www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/index.htm
Raleigh Downtown Farmers’ Market
400 Fayetteville St Raleigh, NC 27601
Open May 6-September 30. Wednesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
www.godowntownraleigh.com/farmers-market
Durham Farmers’ Market
501 Foster St Durham, NC 27701
Open Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 noon and Wednesdays 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Cary Downtown Farmers’ Market
135 W Chatham St Cary, NC 27511
Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., rain or shine.
Carrboro Farmers’ Market
301 W Main St Carrboro, NC 27510
Open Saturdays 7 a.m.-12 noon and Wednesdays 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Wake Forest Farmers’ Market
Open Saturdays, 8 a.m.- 12 noon. Open year-round.
405 S. Brooks Street Wake Forest, NC, 27587
