Nash County Farmers Market receives $308,000 investment

ROCKY MOUNT — The Nash County Farmers Market has received a $308,000 investment to support expansion, improvements and programs designed to increase access to locally grown food. Sen. Lisa Stone Barnes, R-Nash, presented the funding to the market Saturday, Sept. 5. The investment will support several projects, including a permanent general store, completion of the market's commercial kitchen, a community garden and repairs to Building 2. The largest portion of the funding will go toward a Farmers Market General Store, a permanent facility adjacent to the market. The store will allow the market to expand beyond its traditional Saturday schedule and provide a weekday outlet for products from local farmers, producers and bakers. Funding also will complete the market's commercial kitchen. Once finished, the kitchen will provide space for cooking demonstrations, educational programs and food-related events. The investment includes $10,000 for Double Bucks, a program that matches EBT purchases. The funding is intended to make fresh, locally grown food more accessible to low-income families while supporting local farmers. A portion of the funding also will establish a community garden, creating opportunities for residents to grow food, learn about gardening and contribute fresh produce to the market's donation station. Another $8,000 will be used for repairs and painting at Building 2. 'We are incredibly grateful to Sen. Lisa Stone Barnes for recognizing the importance of the Nash County Farmers Market and for advocating for this investment. We also want to thank everyone who has supported the market and helped us reach this exciting moment,' market officials wrote in a Facebook post. 'And, thank you to our farmers, vendors, customers, volunteers and community partners. Without you, none of this would be possible.'