A growing number of farmers are embracing sustainable farming methods. In Union County, small sustainable farms enable restaurants to reduce their supply chains and source ingredients that are grown locally. The Union County Farmers Market Food Hub provides farmers with a connection to local restaurants and consumers.  

Today's economy affects everyone in one way or another. Shopping locally and supporting local businesses reinvests your money into our county's economic growth. Union County is home to hundreds of small businesses. Whether it's shopping at our local farmers market, eating at a local community-minded restaurant or purchasing from a small business, your hard-earned dollars stay local and help save local jobs. When we source local ingredients, everyone benefits. The ingredients are fresher. Your food doesn't have to travel hundreds or thousands of miles to get to your table. Baked goods are only a few days old, not weeks old. Eggs were gathered that week, not months ago like in some grocery stores. This shortening of the supply chain allows for more nutrient-dense ingredients to be used both at home and in our local restaurants.  

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Union County Center and the Food Council of Union County are proud to unveil their collaborative effort called "Harvest in the City." This event, running from October 20th to 22nd, will showcase the local farm-to-fork experience. Participating restaurants throughout Union County that shop from the Union County Farmers Market Food Hub will feature seasonal local ingredients in their entrees. Customers will be able to learn about the locally sourced ingredients used in each course and the farms they came from. Each day during the event participating restaurant customers will also have a chance to enter to win a "Shop Local" basket. These baskets will be filled with contributions from many of our Union County businesses. This event truly embraces the importance of sustainable farming and supporting local businesses. For more information, and to stay up to date, on Harvest in the City, visit the Union County Local Foods website.