Orange County Cooperative Extension

08/26/2026

Join us on October 9th to learn how to process your own poultry. This workshop also makes Orange and Durham residents eligible to rent our Mobile Poultry Processing Unit.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poultry-processing-workshop-fall-2026-tickets-1998221899492?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information contact Alex Kissinger at [email protected]

08/26/2026

Support an incredible food security organization this Friday in Carrboro!

It's almost time! Join us Friday, August 28th from 8AM-12PM at Even Dough Bakery in Carrboro where they are donating 50% of proceeds to PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Support your neighbors and treat your self! 🍪💚

08/26/2026

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!
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Seamos realistas: la transición de "aperitivos perezosos de verano" a "almuerzos escolares estructurados" puede parecer un deporte profesional. 🏃 ♂️💨 Entre la hora punta de la mañana y los entrenamientos después del colegio, planificar las comidas no es solo un lujo, ¡es un salvavidas de cordura!

Aquí tienes 3 consejos rápidos para mantener tu cocina organizada y estirar tu presupuesto de comida al máximo este semestre:

1. Cambio a proteínas vegetales: Las alubias, las lentejas y los huevos son potencias nutricionales que cuestan una fracción de la carne. 🍳 Cambia una comida de ternera por una pasta de chili de frijoles o lentejas para ahorrar al instante.

2. Compra genérico y al por mayor: Las marcas de tienda suelen tener exactamente la misma calidad que las marcas conocidas. Coge bolsas grandes de avena o arroz en lugar de vasos preenvasados: ¡pagas por la comodidad, no por la comida! 🍚

3. Compra en supermercados de descuento: Estas tiendas se centran en precios bajos y en distribuciones básicas. Puede que tengas que llevar tus propias maletas.

4. Compra primero tu despensa: "Noche de inventario" es un salvavidas. Usa ese único tarro de salsa o una caja de galletas saladas antes de comprar más. 🕵️‍♀️

5. ¡No olvides usar tus beneficios SNAP!

Si necesitas ayuda con el programa SNAP, contacta hoy mismo con el equipo de Más En Mi Canasta al 1-855-240-1451.
OCNCGov Orange County Health Department, NC

08/21/2026

Entries for the 2026 NC State Fair Hay Contest are due September 15th!

More information can be found at the following link:
https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-state-fair/forage-crops-premium-book/open

08/19/2026

If you're between the ages of 18 and 64, don't have any children and are mentally and physically able to work, your SNAP benefits may only be available for 3 months.

This ABAWD (Able-bodied without dependents) policy requires individuals who fall into this category to be working at least 20 hours a week to received continued benefits. Otherwise, the benefits will stop after that 3-month period.

Keep in mind that working hours count as part-time or full-time jobs, volunteer work, work training programs or similar.

If you would like to find out if you are eligible to apply for SNAP in North Carolina, visit the More In My Basket website at morefood.org and submit a contact form. Their team will reach out to you within 3 business days.
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Si tienes entre 18 y 64 años, no tienes hijos y estás mental y físicamente capacitado para trabajar, tus beneficios SNAP pueden estar disponibles solo durante 3 meses.

Esta política ABAWD (Sin discapacidad física sin dependientes) exige que las personas que entren en esta categoría trabajen al menos 20 horas semanales para recibir beneficios continuados. De lo contrario, los beneficios cesarán tras ese periodo de 3 meses.

Ten en cuenta que las horas de trabajo cuentan como trabajos a tiempo parcial o completo, voluntariado, programas de formación laboral o similares.

Si desea saber si es elegible para solicitar SNAP en Carolina del Norte, visite la web de Más En Mi Canasta
en morefood.org y envíe un formulario de contacto. Su equipo se pondrá en contacto contigo en un plazo de 3 días laborables.

08/19/2026

Are you interested in adding agritourism activities on your farm, but not sure where to start? Join us on Tuesday, October 6, from 8:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M., for a morning all about agritourism!

Learn how to turn your farm assets into fun and profitable agritourism adventures!

This workshop is designed for farmers to learn about agritourism, explore its feasibility for their farms, and learn the steps to get started.

We'll have both NC State Tourism Extension’s Ann Savage and NC Farm School’s Derek Washburn with us to walk through what agritourism can be on your farm and how to get started.

The workshop will take place at the Bonnie B Davis Center located at 1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough (across the highway from the Division of Motor Vehicles).

Register in advance at go.ncsu.edu/harvestingopportunities. $10 fee will include materials and snacks.

NC State Extension OCNCGov

08/13/2026

Is your farm truly prepared for the unexpected? Join local producers on Tuesday, September 22, for a high-impact, hands-on workshop designed to safeguard your equipment, livestock, and livelihood.

This event is FREE and includes dinner beginning at 5:00 P.M. Pre-register by Friday, September 18, at go.ncsu.edu/SafeFarms. You can also call 919-245-2050 to register over the phone.

Thank you to our partners Orange County N.C. Farm Bureau and N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Emergency Programs Division!



OCNCGov NC State Extension Cooperative Extension at A&T

08/12/2026

If you are interested in a SNAP eligibility screening, want help completing the application or have general questions about the program, contact the More In My Basket staff.

Assistance is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Their staff can be reached at the toll-free numbers below or by visiting their website: morefood.org.

MIMB staff are generally available 8am - 5pm. They do go out to community events, so if you call and no one answers, leave a message and someone will return your call within 3 business days.

📞 1-855-240-1451 (English/Portuguese) 📞 1-888-382-7105 (Spanish)



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Si te interesa una selección de elegibilidad para SNAP, quieres ayuda para completar la solicitud o tienes preguntas generales sobre el programa, contacta con el equipo de Más En Mi Canasta.

La asistencia está disponible en inglés, español y portugués. Su personal puede ser contactado en los números gratuitos que aparecen a continuación o visitando su página web: morefood.org.

El personal de MIMB generalmente está disponible de 8 a 17 h. Van a eventos comunitarios, así que si llamas y nadie responde, deja un mensaje y alguien te devolverá la llamada en un plazo de 3 días laborables.

📞 1-855-240-1451 (inglés/portugués) 📞 1-888-382-7105 (español)

08/11/2026

These are excellent FREE trainings for anyone who wants to better understand mental health and how to help someone dealing with mental health challenges. You can make a difference! County Extension Director Jonathon Smith will be co-teaching both Youth Mental Health First Aid courses.

Register now for our upcoming Mental Health trainings, including Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, the Community Resiliency Model, and Question Persuade Refer.
Sign up at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=nEUHtT10P0-ubtFSa3pirbT6F7ereQNDmmHnNmF-pMtUQTQyVElHTzEzVkI5WEhZSFVSRktNVDU4Sy4u&route=shorturl
For details, contact Marcy Williams at 919-245-2449 or [email protected].

08/07/2026

Únase a nuestra Clase de Certificación de Protección de Alimentos en español.

¿Necesita su Certificación de Gerente de Protección de Alimentos?

Cumpla con los requisitos del Departamento de Salud y aprenda sobre la seguridad de los alimentos con el curso en español de Safe Plates para Gerentes de Alimentos.
Encuentre los detalles y como inscribirse en este enlace: https://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/news/clase-y-examen-en-espa%C3%B1ol-para-la-certificaci%C3%B3n-de-gerentes-de-protecci%C3%B3n-de-alimentos/