Joanna Radford
Home, Farm, & Garden
A new initiative is bringing together local farmers, market-goers, and volunteers in the spirit of community and food security. The Elkin Farmers Market has partnered with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Surry County Center to launch an ongoing Donation Station program, which began in June and will continue every Saturday through the end of October.
The concept is simple yet powerful: shoppers at the Elkin Farmers Market can now buy fresh produce and donate it right on-site to help neighbors in need. The program, supported by NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers, provides a convenient, hands-on way for the community to support both local agriculture and food access for vulnerable residents.
Here’s how it works: shoppers make their regular purchases from farmers and vendors, then stop by the clearly marked Donation Station table to donate any produce they wish to share. Farmers and vendors are also encouraged to donate excess fruits and vegetables they may have at the end of the market. Unlike other donation drives, no money changes hands — only fresh, locally-grown food.
The timing of this initiative is crucial. According to the USDA, North Carolina had a food insecurity rate of 10.9 percent in 2023 — slightly better than the national average of 13.5 percent. However, Surry County faces a more severe challenge, with 17.5 percent of residents — roughly 12,510 people — lacking reliable access to enough nutritious food to lead healthy, active lives.
“Many of us come to the farmers market for fresh, high-quality food, and the Donation Station allows us to share that same quality with others in our community,” said a representative from the N.C. Cooperative Extension Surry County Center. “It’s an opportunity to directly support both local growers and our neighbors in need.”
All collected produce will be distributed by The ARK, a local nonprofit organization that serves individuals and families in crisis. By channeling fresh donations directly to The ARK, the program ensures that healthy food reaches those who need it most, while also reducing food waste and strengthening community ties.
The Elkin Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning. The Donation Station will be present each week through the end of October. Volunteers from the Master Gardener program will staff the table, ready to accept produce donations and answer questions about the program.
This grassroots initiative exemplifies how local communities can creatively and effectively tackle food insecurity. With each donation, whether it’s a bunch of carrots, a bag of apples, or a basket of tomatoes, shoppers are helping to build a healthier, more connected Surry County.
So, next time you visit the Elkin Farmers Market, consider picking up a little extra and stopping by the Donation Station. A small gift of food can go a long way toward nourishing both body and community.
The Elkin Farmers Market is located at 226 N Bridge Street in Elkin.
