NC Cooperative Extension - Union County

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.

Is that plant helping your landscape — or harming it?

Join NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Union County for the next Successful Gardener program: Wrong Plant, Wrong Place: Identify, Remove & Replace Invasive Plants.

Learn how to identify common invasive plants, safely remove them, and choose beneficial replacements that support healthier landscapes and local ecosystems. Kristyna Culp, NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer and Director of Habitat Builders, will share practical tips and real-world experience from local invasive plant removal workshops.

📅 June 4, 2026
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Union County Agricultural & Events Center
💻 Attend in person or online (Free)

Register here: https://www.mastergardenersunioncountync.org/sg-detail

Last Thursday, Leadership Union participants visited several local agricultural operations across Union County to learn more about the people, businesses, and industries that help shape our local agriculture community.

A huge thank you to Wise Acres, North Carolina Farms, Little Family Farms, and Alexander Family Farms for opening your doors and sharing your stories with the group! We appreciate the Union County NC Chamber Leadership Union program for the opportunity to showcase Union County agriculture.

Ever wondered what that EBT card is all about? 🛒✨

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is basically a government-issued debit card that delivers food and cash benefits to those who need a little extra boost. 💳

It’s primarily used for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), helping families put fresh fruits, veggies and essentials on the table. 🍎🥦 The SNAP program also supports our farmers by helping families to buy the food they need.

It works just like a regular bank card—swipe, enter your PIN and you’re good to go! It’s all about providing dignity, nutrition and support to our community members.

If you would like to see if you are eligible for SNAP, visit the More In My Basket website today (morefood.org).