NC Cooperative Extension - Union County

Getting help with groceries in North Carolina?

If you’re applying for SNAP, here’s what you need to know about the current monthly income limits (pre-tax) through September 2026:

👥 Household Size / Monthly Income Limit:
1 Person: $2,610
2 People: $3,526
3 People: $4,442
4 People: $5,360
5 people: $6,276
For each added family member: +$918

Eligibility is based on who you live and cook with! Remember, deductions for rent, utilities, and childcare can help you qualify even if you’re close to the limit. 🏠💡

Don't wait—apply today via ePASS (epass.nc.gov) or call the More In My Basket team toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

Looking to sharpen your kitchen skills? Join us and Union County Library, NC at Edwards Memorial Library for this fun, hands-on program focused on knife skills, food preparation, and healthy eating.

Learn proper cutting techniques, kitchen safety tips, and simple ways to make meal prep easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to improve your confidence in the kitchen, this program is for you!

📍 Edwards Memorial Library
🗓 Thursday, June 18 at 4:00 p.m.
🗓 Friday, June 26 at 4:00 p.m.

Today is the LAST day to register for our June 20 Water Bath Canning: Tomatoes class! 🍅

Learn the basics of safely preserving tomatoes and gain the confidence to can at home. Whether you're new to canning or looking to refresh your skills, this hands-on workshop is a great place to start.

Can't make this class? There's still one more opportunity to join our food preservation series:

🥕 June 27 – Pressure Canning: Carrots

Register today before the deadline closes! To register, call 704-283-3801 or email Judith Hernandez at [email protected].

If you are interested in applying for the SNAP/FNS program in North Carolina, you can contact the More In My Basket team. They offer toll free lines that you can call Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm.

Their team offers SNAP assistance in English, Spanish and Portuguese. More In My Basket can answer your questions about SNAP, run an eligibility screening and help you with the application over the phone. For other languages, your local Department of Social Services will provide language translation upon request.

Call More In My Basket today at 1-855-240-1451 (English and Portuguese) or 1-888-382-7105 (Spanish).

Want to become the babysitter every family wants to hire? Join Union County 4-H Youth Development for Super Sitter Summer Bootcamp and learn the skills that will help you stand out.

You'll learn:
👶 Child care basics
🩹 First aid & CPR awareness
🎨 Fun activities for kids
💬 How to work with parents professionally

Plus, you'll earn your official Super Sitter certification and enjoy a free lunch!

📅 June 27 or August 1
⏰ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Union County Agricultural Center
👥 Ages 12–15
💲Free

Register today, spots are limited: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbJqMZaBd976ftEkrckVowg-LZdIbG0sSf7x26sBl3rXT2TQ/viewform

Thinking about some bacon or sausage to go with your eggs check out this program and root around with the pigs!

Stretching your SNAP benefits doesn’t have to be a struggle! 🛒

With a few smart moves, you can fill your cart with healthy, delicious meals without breaking the bank. Here are 3 quick tips for your next grocery run:

🍲Go for store brands: Skip the big names and reach for the "generic" or store-brand versions. They usually have the exact same ingredients but cost way less.

🫘Buy staples in bulk: Stock up on rice, dried beans, and oats. They are filling, shelf-stable and cost much less per serving than pre-packaged meals.

📱Download Store Apps: Clip digital coupons before you go and check the weekly circulars to plan your meals around what’s on sale.

To learn more about the SNAP program, visit the morefood.org website or call the More In My Basket team toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

Happening This Week!

Some of the biggest threats to our landscapes are growing right in our own backyards. Join us for the next Successful Gardener program, Wrong Plant, Wrong Place: Identify, Remove & Replace Invasive Plants, and learn how to identify invasive plants, remove them effectively, and choose landscape-friendly alternatives.

Kristyna Culp, NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer and Director of Habitat Builders, will share practical strategies and local experience to help you protect and improve your landscape.

There's still time to register! Secure your spot today:
https://www.mastergardenersunioncountync.org/sg-detail

📅 Thursday, June 4
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Union County Agricultural & Events Center
💻 Attend in person or online
✅ Free program

Meet our 2026 Union County 4-H Youth Development Summer Interns!

For the 13th consecutive year, our internship program is helping develop future leaders through hands-on experience in youth development, education, and Extension programming.

This summer, Kaylee, Miles, and Sabrinah will be supporting camps, educational programs, and 4-H activities while building skills that will help shape their future careers.

We're excited to have them on the team and can't wait to see the impact they'll make this summer!

🔗 Read their full story here: https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/news/union-county-welcomes-4-h-summer-interns-for-the-13th-consecutive-year/

Summer is canning season! 🫙

Learn how to safely preserve fresh foods at home during our Summer Saturday Canning Series! Whether you’re brand new to canning or looking to sharpen your skills, these hands-on classes will cover the basics of safe home food preservation using research-based methods.

📅 Classes will be held from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

🫙 June 13 – Introduction to Canning (FREE)
Deadline to register: June 9

🍅 June 20 – Water Bath Canning: Tomatoes – $20
Deadline to register: June 15

🥕 June 27 – Pressure Canning: Carrots – $20
Deadline to register: June 22

Register by calling 704-283-3801, or email Judith Hernandez at [email protected]

Payment accepted by cash or check up to the day of class.