On June 24, the NC Cooperative Extension Mecklenburg County Center brought the best of the local food system straight to the community during a dynamic, sold-out mini farmer’s market event. Hosted by Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Demetria Cox-Thomas, the gathering brought together residents, growers, and food entrepreneurs to celebrate local agriculture, healthy eating, and community connection.
The event was made possible through a collaboration with two local organizations: Freshlist Charlotte, a dedicated regional food hub, and Mecklenburg County Human Resources & Well Being Programs Team. The county’s Well Being Programs Manager, Colleen Faltus, wanted to bring a mini farmer’s market to the county employees, and FCS Agent Demetria Cox-Thomas took that idea and brought it to the Freshlist team. Together, the partners created this event to highlight local foods, tell the stories about the producers of the food, and bring awareness to the endless local food options available in the county. The county funded the Freshlist-curated custom farm-fresh boxes for 35 registered participants, packed with seasonal goods like peaches, grains, squash, and fresh basil.
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Participants were treated to an interactive panel featuring voices from Charlotte's local food system including Crown Town Farm farmer Sam Humphrey, Mano Bella Artisan Foods co-owner Madison Patrizi, Uptown Farmers Market Manager Jan Johnson, and Freshlist’s Director of Farmer Relations & Social Impact, Erin Bradley, to highlight local farming, value-added agriculture, market access, and food distribution. There was also a conversation about food security resources available at local farmers markets. The county employees were excited to learn more and share these resources with their coworkers and clients who can benefit from them.
Following the panel, Cox-Thomas led a culinary demonstration, preparing a Veggie Pasta using the ingredients found inside the participants' fresh boxes. The demo showed attendees how easy it can be to turn local produce and grains into a quick, wholesome weeknight meal.
While the workshop and box distribution were capped at 35 attendees, the impact did not stop there. Following the event, the doors were opened for an extra drop-in mini market, giving neighbors and community members the opportunity to stop by, shop directly from local vendors, and share in the farm-to-table experience.
The event was so well received that the county has scheduled additional dates going forward, with the next two scheduled in late August and another around the holiday season. Organizers also plan to increase the number of boxes available to attendees.
By bridging education, local commerce, and culinary skills, the NC Cooperative Extension Mecklenburg Center continues to support the regional food system one fresh dish at a time.
