The food system in Western North Carolina has been fairly predictable for the past decade. Hundreds of farms in the region have found their niche—from vegetable growers selling at farmers markets, to roadside fruit stands, to meat and egg producers selling to restaurants. The COVID-19 crisis caused many local farmers to rethink their business models. … Read more
Nutritious food is especially important during a crisis, yet children who rely on school meals may not have easy access to prepared foods at home. Many children and families depend on schools for most of their weekly nutrition. Over half of school children in Buncombe County, NC qualify for free and reduced lunches, so the … Read more
Farming is inherently unpredictable. From the severe storms that flooded some local farms last week, to the challenges of getting food from the farm to the public, farmers face risk every year. This year, COVID-19 has compounded that uncertainty. Molly Nicholie, program director of ASAP’s Local Food Campaign, has been talking to local farmers about … Read more
Many activities for kids and families are on hold during social distancing, including schools and summer programs. Although groups of students won’t be gathering anytime soon, ASAP’s Growing Minds program has a new initiative to support children and their caregivers. “We were realizing that school is out, parents are going to start having to become … Read more
It was a Friday afternoon when Tou Lee from Lee’s One Fortune Farm found out that the Saturday market had been cancelled because of the COVID-19 restrictions placed on public gatherings that day. All spring, Tou and his wife and farming partner Chue Lee grew vegetables like bok choy and broccoli raab to get ready … Read more
Spring is a pivotal time for farmers and food producers who rely on direct sales. While each season comes with challenges and opportunities, spring can feel like a leap of faith. Farmers start new crops, artisan food producers plan production schedules, and they all look forward to income from the first farmers markets. This year, … Read more
During uncertain times, it can be comforting to know where your food comes from. Community Supported Agriculture is one way to make sure your kitchen is stocked with farm-fresh food each week. Members sign up for a farm’s CSA at the beginning of the season. Each week, customers receive a box of produce, eggs, meat, … Read more
Spring is just around the corner, and along with longer days and warmer temperatures, the season brings the promise of farmers markets. But these markets don’t suddenly appear like daffodils after a warm spell. It takes months of planning to host a thriving farmers market. Local market managers have some help getting ready for the … Read more
Jona Felts and Gretchen Ferrell grow a little bit of everything at Open Ridge Farm in Yancey County, North Carolina. “As a diversified farm, we grow annual vegetables from A-Z, from asparagus to zucchini,” Jona says. When customers drive up to the farm at the base of Mount Mitchell, they can see exactly where the … Read more
When Sarah Wickers started Well Seasoned Table in 2014, she did it all. She grew produce, foraged wild greens, blended spices, and marketed her seasonings everywhere from farmers markets to retail locations. She even designed the website and packaging herself. She saw herself as the maestro of Well Seasoned Table because she had her hands … Read more