The Black Farmers’ Market Paves a New Way for Local Entrepreneurs

Prioritizing small and historically marginalized producers is a value Farmer Foodshare has in common with many other organizations. Thanks to the growing efforts of local groups, support for NC farmers is present throughout the Triangle. 

The Black Farmers’ Market is led by a vision to foster intentional spending within black communities, build and expand self-sustaining black marketplaces, and help solve black social and economic issues. The Black Farmers’ Market hosts weekly events alternating between Durham and Raleigh, which increase awareness, facilitate wholesale opportunities, and help fund new projects for local Black entrepreneurs in the area. The market has generated incredible support for independent businesses while providing access to healthy food within food deserts.  

Farmer Foodshare has been fortunate to work alongside the Black Farmers’ Market on several projects. We serve as the fiscal agent for the Double Bucks program which matches benefits like SNAP at farmers markets, double the purchasing power of families experiencing food insecurity. The program supports growers and attendees alike, making farmers markets more accessible to a wider community base. The Black Farmers’ Market is one of 5 area farmers markets participating in the Double Bucks program. Last year, the program generated $150,000 for farm businesses, supporting 150 local farmers and totaling 90,000 lbs. of food to fight hunger.  

The Black Farmers Market and Farmer Foodshare also collaborate on a mini grant program which supports local farmers looking to grow their operations, reach, and programming. Three local farmers, including Mother’s Finest Urban Family Farms, received funding last year for projects that will help them better serve their communities.  

We’re so grateful to collaborate with The Black Farmers’ Market!