The N.C. Cooperative Extension Madison County Center is launching a Donation Station program at a local tailgate market as a way for the community to engage in supporting local food and food security efforts. According to the USDA, in 2023, North Carolina's food insecurity rate was 10.9%, slightly lower than the national average of 13.5%. For Madison, the rate is 13.3%, meaning that 13% of the population doesn't have consistent, dependable access to enough food for active, healthy living. The Donation Station program seeks to improve access to fresh, locally-grown food while supporting the farmers who grow it.

The Donation Station will begin at the Weaverville Tailgate Market on April 2 and it will run from April through September. Shoppers will be able to purchase fresh produce from farmers and vendors, and then donate it at a volunteer-run Donation Station table. Shoppers can also offer a monetary donation, which will then be used to purchase fresh produce from farmers at the market at full value. At the end of each market, the donated produce will be given to local Madison County pantries to serve their clients.

"This initiative connects the producer and consumer in an even more meaningful way," said Madison County Cooperative Extension FCS Agent Jessica Mollet. "By partnering with the farmers' markets and our community, we will be able to offer high-quality fruits and vegetables to our neighbors who might not otherwise have access to this type of nutritious food. It also allows farmers to receive the asking price for their products, which helps to support our local food economy."

Community members are also encouraged to volunteer with the program. Just stop by the Donation Station table or call FCS Extension Agent Jessica Mollet at 828-649-2411 to learn more.