NC Cooperative Extension - Buncombe County

Farmers Markets are in full swing now and as the temperature increases, it is important to keep food safety in mind. Check out these tips from FoodSafety.gov

Temperature Matters
Some farmers markets are only available seasonally in warmer months, and bacteria that cause foodborne illness love warm weather. When temperatures are above 90 degrees F, perishable foods only have one hour before bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels and make food unsafe.
When shopping at the farmers market, look for sellers that display perishable items like raw meats and soft cheeses on ice, in a cooler, or with refrigeration. Consider bringing an insulated bag or cooler with cold sources that will keep your perishables at a safe temperature below 40 degrees F during the time it takes to finish shopping and travel home (especially if it is a hot day). Examples of cold sources include ice, frozen gel packs, or frozen beverages. When possible, shop for perishable items last.

Meat and Poultry
Raw meat and poultry must be refrigerated for safety. Otherwise, foodborne illness bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels and make you sick. Only purchase raw meat and poultry at the farmers market if they’re being kept cold by the seller.
Once purchased, place raw meat and poultry in a separate bag from ready-to-eat items, like fruits and vegetables, to avoid cross-contamination of harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Juices from raw meat and poultry can sometimes leak from packaging, which can transport bacteria to our produce or other ready-to-eat farmers market goodies if not separated. After touching packages of raw meat and poultry, wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content.

Produce
It’s important to choose fruits and vegetables that are not bruised or damaged, because these can provide an environment where bacteria multiply and thrive. Whole fruits and vegetables can be displayed without refrigeration at the farmers market, but perishable produce like strawberries, lettuce, herbs and mushrooms should be refrigerated once home. Pre-cut or peeled fruits and vegetables need to be refrigerated for safety, so only purchase if they are stored on ice or refrigerated at the market. Before consuming, all produce should be rinsed thoroughly with running water.

Reusable Bags
Reusable bags are a convenient and environmentally friendly option to bring with you to the farmers market. However, since these bags can hold onto bacteria, dirt and debris, they should be washed frequently with hot water and soap.
Make sure to pack these tips on your next trip to the farmers market and enjoy!

Only one week remains for eligible landowners to apply for the Timber Loss Relief Program. The application period closes June 12.

If you plan to apply, do not wait until the last minute. Applications must be completed clearly and fully. Missing, incomplete or illegible information may delay processing or affect eligibility.

Applicants should also remember that completed hardcopy applications with original signatures must be submitted to a local N.C. Forest Service county or district office. Applications cannot be submitted electronically or by email. Landowners are encouraged to contact their local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office ahead of time to confirm staff availability.

N.C. Forest Service - Timber Loss Relief Program | NC Agriculture The program is designed to partially compensate private landowners with at least 10 contiguous acres of moderate to catastrophic timber loss from Hurricane Helene. Learn More about Eligibility and How to Apply

The More In My Basket website has many SNAP-friendly recipes available for you to try at home. Whether it is spring, summer, winter or fall, you are sure to find something delicious to help stretch your benefits. Visit https://morefood.org/ today!

ASAP is reopening the Appalachian Grown Farmer Immediate Needs Grant (AGFING) for farmers affected by recent flooding caused by severe rainfall in Buncombe, Henderson, and Rutherford counties.

Applications from farms impacted by other weather-related events in 2026 will also be considered. The grant provides $500 to help cover expenses related to recent severe weather damage.
AGFING is available exclusively to certified Appalachian Grown farms.

Appalachian Grown Farm Immediate Needs Grant application:

Appalachian Grown Farmer Immediate Needs Grant - Application This grant is intended to support farms with significant losses due to disasters. Farmers may apply for up to $500 to cover immediate needs and expenses towards cleaning, replanting, repairing, or other costs not covered through insurance or other available programs that will allow the farm to quick...

Did you know....ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) supports Double SNAP for Fruit and Vegetable programs at over 30 farmers markets in Western North Carolina. This means those on SNAP can get more access to fresh food! At these markets, SNAP shoppers can double their SNAP up to $20 to spend on fruits and vegetables, all while supporting farmers local to them.

Swiss Chard is a leafy green closely related to the beet plant. It is easy to recognize by its broad leaves and colorful stems of white, yellow, red, orange or purple. Its young leaves are tender and can be eaten raw in salads or used similarly to spinach in a variety of recipes. Older leaves are better cooked and can be added to soups, stir fry, sauces, or even stuffed. Check out a great recipe along with nutritional information about Swiss Chard at the link below.

Swiss Chard and Lentil Bolognese - Buncombe County Center | N.C. Cooperative Extension Swiss Chard is a leafy green closely related to the beet plant. It is easy to recognize by its broad leaves and colorful stems of white, yellow, red, orange or purple. Its young leaves are tender and…

Dairy and eggs are good sources of protein and can be great additions to a healthful balanced diet. Following food safety practices for these foods can help to prevent infection by food-borne illness that can be present in dairy, eggs, and egg products.

Choosing Dairy and Egg Products with Food Safety in Mind - Buncombe County Center | N.C. Cooperative Extension Dairy and eggs are good sources of protein and can be great additions to a healthful balanced diet. Following food safety practices for these foods can help to prevent infection by foodborne illness…

The North Carolina Forest Service is offering a new program, the Timber Loss Relief Program (TLRP), for forest landowners who were negatively impacted by Hurricane Helene. This program compensates forest landowners who lost timber as a result of the storm.

Application for this program begins April 20, 2026 and concludes June 12, 2026. To apply for TLRP funds, landowners should contact their local county office of the North Carolina Forest Service. More details can be found at the link below.

Financial Assistance for Timberland Owners Following Hurricane Helene - Wilkes County Center | N.C. Cooperative Extension The North Carolina Forest Service is offering a new program, the Timber Loss Relief Program (TLRP), for forest landowners who were negatively impacted by Hurricane Helene. This program compensates…

Join us at Avery’s Creek Community Center, where we will make a jam from seasonal fruit and learn ways to can jams, jellies and other fruit spreads using a water bath canner.

Whether new to canning and jam making or just want to learn the latest recommendation, this hands-on class is for you!

Hands on Fruit Jam - Buncombe County Center | N.C. Cooperative Extension Join us at Avery’s Creek Community Center, where we will make a jam from seasonal fruit and learn ways to can jams, jellies and other fruit spreads using a water bath canner.Whether new to canning…