In Cherokee County, the spirit of community is as fresh as the produce growing in our local fields. This season, the Murphy Farmers Market is more than just a place to buy your weekly groceries—it is a hub for tackling food insecurity through the Donation Station program.

Held every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Donation Station provides a simple yet powerful way for residents to support both local farmers and neighbors in need.

The Donation Station model, developed by NC State Extension, is designed to improve access to fresh, locally grown food. The process is straightforward:

1. Donate: Shoppers at the market can drop off extra produce they’ve purchased or make a monetary donation at the Donation Station booth.
2. Support Farmers: 100% of the monetary donations are used by volunteers to purchase fresh items—like fruits, vegetables, eggs, and bread—directly from the farmers at the market.
3. Feed Neighbors: The collected food is then delivered to local hunger relief agencies to ensure that everyone in our community has access to high-quality, nutritious meals.

To ensure the food reaches those who need it most, the Murphy Farmers Market has partnered with two vital local organizations:

• 2nd Saturdays: All donations benefit the Moore House Ministries Food Pantry.
• 4th Saturdays: All donations go to the Texana Community Center Food Distribution.

By alternating between these partners, the Donation Station ensures a steady stream of fresh nutrition reaches different areas of Cherokee County.

The success of the Donation Station in Cherokee County is driven by the Extension Master Food Volunteers (EMFVs). These dedicated individuals work under the leadership of the N.C. Cooperative Extension to bridge the gap between local agriculture and community health.

EMFVs are highly trained community members who complete 30 hours of core curriculum—covering nutrition, food safety, and local food systems—followed by shadow hours and continuing education. In Cherokee County, these volunteers serve as "food ambassadors," helping shoppers understand the importance of food access while managing the logistics of the Donation Station.

Supporting the Donation Station is a "win-win-win":

• For the Hungry: Families in need receive fresh, nutrient-dense food that is often unavailable in traditional pantry settings.
• For the Farmers: Local growers receive fair market value for their products, keeping agricultural dollars within Cherokee County.
• For the Community: It fosters a resilient local food system where no one is left behind.

Whether you have a few extra dollars to spare or want to add an extra bunch of kale to your market basket, your contribution makes a difference.

Stop by the Murphy Farmers Market between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Look for the Extension Master Food Volunteers at the Donation Station booth and help us grow a healthier, better-fed Cherokee County.