A very important stage of the supply chain includes where consumers can find and purchase local foods. There are traditional locations such as farmers' markets, restaurants, stores, and newer venues like online sales platforms. This page includes links to information and resources primarily for consumers and engaged residents who are interested in purchasing local food products.
On This Page
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project Local Food Guide: "A free directory to family farms, farmers tailgate markets, wineries, grocers, restaurants, caterers and bakers, farm stores and stands, farms to visit, B&Bs and farm lodging, apple farms, u-pick farms, CSAs, and distributors in the Southern Appalachians."
- Farmers' Markets: Resources for finding farmers' markets in NC.
- Feast Down East: Also known as the Southeastern NC Food Systems Program, FDE is an initiative in southeastern North Carolina established to create a fully integrated local food system.
- NC Farm Fresh: NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services maintains a self-reported Directory of Farmers Markets as well as Roadside Stands, U-Pick operations, and CSAs in North Carolina.
- Visit NC Farms app: Explore local farms, farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism, and local restaurants. You can search by product or county.
- County 10% Campaigns: The goal of the 10% Campaign is to "encourage consumers to commit 10 percent of their existing food dollars to support local food producers, related businesses and communities." Check out your county Extension office (click "County Center" at the top) for where to find local farms in your area. NC State Extension Agents can learn more about NC 10% Campaign resources for local food coordinators.
- Selecting North Carolina Seafood: An NC Sea Grant resource with information on selecting, preparing and developing markets for seafood.
- State and Regional Branding Programs: This webpage houses a list of state and regional branding programs that assist consumers and retailers in increasing the visibility of NC products.
- USDA Local Food Directories: USDA also manages self-reported listings of farmers' markets, lists of CSAs, food hubs, and on-farm markets.
No markets near you?
- Start a Farmers Market near you
- Start a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) or Buying Club near you
- Join or Start a Community Garden near you
Tips for Purchasing Local Foods
- NC 10% Campaign’s: Resources for Buying Local
- Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s Questions to Ask Your Farmer
Primary Contact: Robyn Stout State Coordinator, NC 10% Campaign Center for Environmental Farming Systems NC State University robyn_stout@ncsu.edu
