Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council

09/01/2026

There’s more to the CMFPC community than what lands in your inbox.

Join us on Circle, our online community space for people connected to Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s food system. Share resources and opportunities, connect with others doing this work, learn what’s happening across our local food system, and find ways to get involved.

Whether you’re a farmer, food business, nonprofit, community partner, advocate, or simply someone who cares about our local food system, we’d love to have you!

🔗 Join us through the link in our bio --> Community Hub

08/27/2026

Important SNAP Double Bucks Update

Beginning September 1, 2026, the SNAP Double Bucks match at participating Mecklenburg County farmers markets and farm stands will change from up to $50 per day to up to $20 per day.

SNAP Double Bucks is still here and it is still a dollar-for-dollar match. Spend $20 in SNAP benefits and receive an additional $20 in Double Bucks, giving you $40 to spend on fresh, local food. Spend more than $20 and still receive an extra $20 to spend.

Program funding has been significantly reduced as participation and use continue to grow. Lowering the match helps keep SNAP Double Bucks available year-round while we actively pursue additional funding.

We know this change will affect the families, farmers, and markets that participate in the program, and we do not take that impact lightly. We remain committed to protecting access to fresh, local food and strengthening SNAP Double Bucks for the future.

Questions? Email [email protected].

Please share this update with anyone who uses SNAP Double Bucks.

07/16/2026

The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WICFMNP) is now available in Mecklenburg County, helping eligible WIC participants purchase fresh fruits and vegetables directly from approved local farmers.
In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Mecklenburg County Public Health, Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, eligible participants can also receive $30 in CMFPC Market Tokens to stretch their purchasing power even further.
Here’s how it works:
​Receive a WICFMNP card through your local WIC office.
​Bring your WICFMNP card to the Market Information Booth at a participating farmers market.
​Show your WICFMNP card to receive $30 in CMFPC Market Tokens (once per market visit while funding is available).
​Use your WICFMNP card and your market tokens to purchase eligible fresh fruits and vegetables from approved vendors.
Participating Markets & Vendors
📍 North Meck Community Farmers Market
21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius
Wednesdays | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Participating vendors:
• Austin Kidd Farm
• Harvest Roots Farm
📍 Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
1801 Yorkmont Rd., Charlotte (Building A)
Saturdays | 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
Participating vendors:
• Austin Kidd Farm
• Bluebird Farm
• Crouching Hippo Farm (Coming Soon)
📍 Uptown Farmers Market
300 S. Davidson St., Charlotte
Saturdays | 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
Participating vendors:
• Crouching Hippo Farm
• Deep Roots CPS Farm
• Garden Window Farm
• Old North Farm
• Seven Sisters Farm
Important reminders:
• You must have your WICFMNP card to receive the $30 CMFPC Market Tokens.
• Market tokens are available once per market visit while funding lasts.
• WICFMNP cards and CMFPC Market Tokens can only be used to purchase eligible fresh fruits and vegetables from approved vendors.
• Benefits are available through September 30, 2026, or until funding is exhausted.
For complete program details, eligibility information, and additional updates throughout the season, visit the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council website.

06/30/2026

The senior voucher (Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program) is back and will be open for sign ups and spending starting Wednesday, July 1!

The SFMNP offers $50 in free vouchers to eligible seniors to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and raw honey at certified farmers markets across Mecklenburg County. The $50 comes in a booklet of 10 vouchers worth $5 each, which can be spent at any participating market between July 1 and September 30, 2026.

📅 Enrollment Opens: July 1, 2026

📆 Voucher Spending Season: July 1 – September 30, 2026

🫂 Who’s Eligible:

Adults 60+ years old

Residents of Mecklenburg County

Monthly income at or below $2,461 for a 1-person household or $3,337 for a 2-person household

📍Signups (must be in person):

The first two signup dates are:

1. North Meck Community Farmers Market - 21445 Catawba Ave Cornelius, NC 28031 (behind town hall)

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9am-12:00pm

2. Uptown Farmers Market - 300 S. Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Saturday, July 4, 2026 8am-12:30pm.

3. Huntersville Farmers Market- 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078

Saturday, July 4, 2026 8am-12:00pm.

https://www.charlottefoodpolicy.com/seniorvouchers

06/24/2026

05/29/2026

Yesterday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council team took a break from policy work and spent time reconnecting with one another.

We enjoyed a staff retreat at The Plant House in Charlotte, where we created our own terrariums and worked together to build one as a team. It was a fun opportunity to strengthen relationships, spark creativity, and enjoy each other’s company outside of our usual work.

05/14/2026

SNAP Triple Bucks is continuing for another week!

From May 16–22, SNAP shoppers can receive triple the value of their SNAP tokens or point-of-sale discounts, up to a $50 total purchase, at participating farmers markets and farm stands across our region.

This limited-time promotion helps families stretch their food dollars while supporting local farmers and producers.

Local farm stands are participating alongside farmers markets, expanding access to fresh, locally grown food in more communities.

Participating locations:
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No additional sign-up is required. Just use your SNAP/EBT benefits at participating locations during promotion week.

Learn more: www.charlottefoodpolicy.com/snapdoublebucks

05/08/2026

- THIS IS WHAT ADVOCACY LOOKS LIKE. 🌱📢

We showed up and showed out for this week's Local Food Lobby Day at the North Carolina General Assembly! CFSA's Policy Team joined dozens of our friends from food hubs, farmers' markets, food access organizations, and agriculture-focused nonprofits based across the state for a day of advocacy in support of FarmsSHARE, Double-Up Bucks (DUNC), and Sun Bucks programs.

Highlights included productive meetings with more than 60 legislators, handing out NC-grown apples and strawberries on the lawn at lunchtime (fun fruit & veg costumes included!🍎), and a press conference spotlighting House Bill 1154 ("Expand the FarmSHARE Food Hub Program"), which would provide funding for FarmsSHARE and DUNC in the state budget.

We're proud to report that the bill now has over 50 co-sponsors, representing extensive bipartisan support for programs that support local food systems, rural economies, public health, and small-scale farms in North Carolina. 💪 With demonstrated positive impact and a truly impressive return on investment, these programs are win-win opportunities for NC's local food system, and we are optimistic that the HB 1154 will progress successfully through the House and Senate and be included in the NC Budget alongside funding for Sun Bucks.

Thanks to all the partner organizations and legislators who participated in the Local Food Lobby Day! 💚 Read a recap of the day on NC Newsline via the link in our bio.