Beginning Aug. 25, Wingate University will become home to a weekly Farmer’s Market at the current site of the Community Garden, near the northeast corner of East Wilson and Main streets. In addition to cash or credit/debit cards, the market, open each Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. until Thanksgiving, will also accept SNAP/EBT benefits.
A three-way partnership between the University’s Collaborative for the Common Good, the Town of Wingate and the N.C. Cooperative Extension, the market will feature local produce, meat products, baked goods and specialty vendors.
“I am thrilled by the excitement this collaborative project has created on and off campus,” says Dr. Catherine Wright, executive director of the CCG. “Stay tuned for more fruits of this partnership that are still to come.”
She said the market was made possible with funding support from the American Heart Association and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.
Initial produce vendors will include Broadway Productions, Greenworks, Overall Family Farm-Microgreens, and Abundant Living. Meat producers headed to the market include Parker Farms, Little Family, Peaceful Meadows and Greene Farm Beef. The market will also welcome bakeries including Dekenchar (breads, cupcakes, cheesecake), Mommom's Bakery (cheesecake, pies) and Sweet & Cozy (cookies, brownies, bars).
Specialty vendors such as Health Beats Therapy (essential oils, detox baths, home sprays) and Bloom Farms (fresh cut flowers) will also have a place at the market, where vendors will rotate each week.
The endeavor will also pave the way for two paid Farmers Market interns.
“This is a great way for students to get hands-on experience and leave a legacy for future Bulldogs,” Wright says. Interested students may apply via this link.
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