Health & Human Services use of the Healthy Communities Funding

Farmers Markets 7/20

Farmers Markets are more than just a place to buy fresh produce; they are vibrant community hubs that support local farmers, promote healthy eating, and bring people together. Recently, the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has received funding from The Healthy Communities Funding to enhance access to healthy foods in Wake County!

The Healthy Communities funding provided $4000 to support farmers markets in Wake County. This funding, available on a first-come, first-serve basis until May 31, 2025, aims to increase access to fresh, healthy foods for all residents!

NCDHHS has partnered with Western Wake, Fuquay-Varina, Cary, and Holly Springs Farmers Markets to bring exciting activities to the community. Volunteers are hosting free cooking demos at these markets, showcasing delicious recipes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients especially since most of the ingredients are sourced right at the Market!

So far, there has been two cooking demos events that have occurred already, and they have been a hit! On July 13 th , Western Wake Farmers Market hosted a ‘Blueberry Day’, where volunteers prepared a delicious Blueberry Salsa using a recipe from the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). The response was fantastic, with many customers coming back for seconds and asking if they could buy a jar!

Cary Farmers Market also had a successful ‘Peach Day’ on June 22nd , with the Healthy Communities funding covering all food costs for the event. Attendees were thrilled to learn new recipes and enjoy fresh, local peaches. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a cooking demo, don’t worry! More events are coming up:

● August 3 rd at Holly Springs Farmers Market

● August 24 th at Fuquay-Varina Farmers Market

We hope to see you there!