Local Food

Our Local Food program facilitates the production, marketing, and consumption of food grown, caught, or raised in our community. We work to support local farmers with research-based education on marketing their products, help consumers access fresh, healthy local foods, and foster connections to build a better food network that encourages the economic and environmental benefits of eating local.

Eating seasonally is a great way to get connected to your farmers and community. There are several definitions of local the USDA defines local food as food grown and transported fewer than 400 miles or within the same state. The NCDA&CS and N.C. Cooperative Extension uses state boundaries to define local food. This publication clarifies the current research around local foods and its impacts on environment, health, and community.

Produce for sale at a Farmers Market.

News

Tags: Aquaculture, farmers market, fisheries, local food, Oysters, produce, seafood, shoplocal, Shop Local
Eggs in a flat.
Let's Talk Labels: Eggs

Published - August 11, 2026

Corn on the cob with some husks and knife block on a table.
Summer Food Traditions

Published - July 27, 2026

Blueberries in NC in season and healthy food.
Grab Some Blue(berries)

Published - June 17, 2026

Women and children sort through food donation crates
Food Access Near Home

Published - May 29, 2026

Variety of produce on kitchen table.
Spring CSA

Published - May 11, 2026

Three children eating watermelon outside on a summer day
Summer Savings are In-Season

Published - April 16, 2026