NC Cooperative Extension - Swain County

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Congratulations, Jeff!!

Jeff Darnell was recently inducted into the WNC Agriculture Hall of Fame. Beginning with one acre in his mother’s backyard here in Franklin in 1976, Darnell went on to build one of Western North Carolina’s most recognized and influential farming operations. He is pictured with three generations of his family. (Photo submitted)

You can read more about Jeff Darnell's story in the Aug. 26 edition of the Press.

09/02/2026

SNAP Requirements: Do you know what SNAP is but are you not sure if you qualify for this food assistance program? Here are some of the requirements in North Carolina:

Applicants’ total income must meet the income limit set for that household size
Able-bodied adults aged 18–64 without a child underage 14 may be required to work or participate in training at least 20 hours per week
Must be a NC resident

If you are still unsure if you qualify or would like to ask more questions, contact the More In My Basket team today, toll-free: 1-855-240-1451. They will be happy to assist you Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm.

08/31/2026

We're Hiring! Swain County Public Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our School Nutrition Department.

Current Openings: We have an immediate opening for a Cafeteria Manager at the middle school, as well as Cafeteria Assistant positions available at multiple school locations.

Benefits & Schedule: Enjoy full-time positions with benefits and a great schedule that lets you give back to our local community.

How to Apply: Apply today by visiting https://swain.schoolspring.com/

08/31/2026

Join us next month for another round of Walk With Ease brought to you by The Arthritis Foundation, Swain County Health Department, Swain County Cooperative Extension and the Swain County Swain Senior Center!

Scan the QR code to sign up on Eventbrite!

08/27/2026

🐴🎡 Want to enter the NC Mountain State Fair but don't want to make the extra trip to Asheville? We've got you covered!

Take advantage of the Pony Express Pick-Up! Simply complete your online entry form, bring your exhibits to the Swain County Cooperative Extension Office, and the Pony Express will take care of the rest!

📅 Complete online entries by August 28
📍 Bring entries to the Extension Office on Monday, August 31, 2026
🏢 60 Almond School Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713

Items will be returned after the fair by September 30th.

It's an easy way to share your talents and exhibits at the NC Mountain State Fair without the extra drive!

For more information and to enter online, visit: www.nccagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair

🎪 All ages welcome!

08/27/2026

Here is the September Yoga Schedule!

Just a reminder that classes are at 9:00 at the Swain Extension Office at 60 Almond School Road and are always FREE!

08/26/2026

Apply Now for a 2027 WNC AgOptions Farm Grant

Grants of $10,000 are available to family farms across Western North Carolina. Information sessions begin August 10, and applications are due November 9, 2026.

The WNC AgOptions grant program is now accepting applications for the 2027 grant cycle. Since 2004, AgOptions has helped Western North Carolina family farms grow stronger through projects that increase efficiency, diversify income, improve profitability, and support long-term sustainability.

This year, grants of $10,000 will be awarded to eligible farm businesses for projects that strengthen or expand their operations. The 2027 cycle is made possible by the continued support of the North Carolina To***co Trust Fund Commission.

Key dates Contact your county Cooperative Extension agent by October 9, 2026 to talk through your project. This step is required before you apply.

Submit your Intent to Apply form by October 9, 2026 at https://go.ncsu.edu/wncagopt27

Submit your completed application by 11:59 p.m. on November 9, 2026. Hardcopy and digital applications are both accepted.

How to apply: Talk with your county N.C. Cooperative Extension agriculture agent about your project idea. Start early, since this conversation is required before you can apply.

Submit the Intent to Apply form by October 9 at the link above. Complete and submit your full application by the November 9 deadline. Come to an information session

Thursday, August 27th 6:00–8:00 p.m. Swain County Cooperative Extension Center 60 Almond School Rd., Bryson City
Tuesday, September 1st 6:00–8:00 p.m. Burke County Agricultural Building 130 Ammons Dr., Morganton

Thursday, September 3rd 6:00–8:00 p.m. Yancey County Senior Center 503 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville

Wednesday, September 9th 5:30–7:30 p.m. Cleveland County Cooperative Extension Center 130 S. Post Rd., Suite 1, Shelby

Thursday, September 10th 5:30–7:30 p.m. Watauga County Ag Conference Center 252 Poplar Grove Rd., Boone

Organization

08/26/2026

Great news! 🐷🥓 The Bring Home the Bacon Fundraiser has been extended until all 200 tickets are sold!

That means you still have a chance to win a whole hog with processing included while supporting the Swain County Agricultural Fair! 🎡🌾

🎟️ $20 each or 3 for $50

Don't wait—get your tickets soon before they sell out! Once all 200 tickets are gone, they're gone!

Proceeds benefit the Swain County Agricultural Fair. ❤️

Visit swainfair.org or purchase from a Swain Fair Committee Member or at the Swain Extension Office!

08/26/2026

Back to School Tips: Let’s be real: the transition from "lazy summer snacks" to "structured school lunches" can feel like a professional sport. 🏃‍♂️💨 Between the morning rush and after-school practice, meal planning isn't just a luxury, it’s a sanity saver!

Here are 3 quick tips to keep your kitchen organized and stretch your food budget to its max this semester:

Pivot to Plant Proteins: Beans, lentils, and eggs are nutritional powerhouses that cost a fraction of meat. 🍳 Swap one beef meal for a bean chili or lentil pasta to see instant savings.
Buy Generic & Bulk: Store brands are often the exact same quality as name brands. Grab large bags of oats or rice instead of pre-packaged cups—you’re paying for the convenience, not the food! 🍚

Shop discount grocery stores: These stores focus on low prices and bare bones store layouts. You may need to bring your own bags.
Shop Your Pantry First: "Inventory night" is a lifesaver. Use that lone jar of sauce or box of crackers before buying more. 🕵️‍♀️
Don’t forget to use your SNAP benefits!

If you need any assistance with the SNAP program, contact the More In My Basket team at 1-855-240-1451 today!