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Onslow County Cooperative Extension expands winter farmers market, offers SNAP acceptance and youth programs
Summary
Jessica Gardner, director of Onslow County Cooperative Extension, said the office will hold winter markets Jan. 11 and Feb. 8, will accept SNAP during winter months, and continues a range of 4‑H youth programs and gardening resources.
Jessica Gardner, director of the Onslow County Cooperative Extension, told Onslow County Today the Extension is expanding its farmers market season with once‑a‑month winter markets and additional vendors, and that it will accept SNAP benefits during the winter market season.
Gardner said the winter markets are set for Jan. 11 and Feb. 8; regular Saturday markets resume in April. Vendors at the winter markets include multiple meat vendors (beef and pork, including pasture‑raised pork), bakeries including a gluten‑free option, and egg vendors offering chicken and duck eggs. She noted specialty products such as organ meats, tallow and specialty cuts and said vendors sometimes run promotional deals.
Why it matters: Extending market dates and accepting SNAP benefits can increase access to fresh, locally produced food for Onslow County residents and support local farmers during a slower season.
Gardner described Extension programs beyond the market: 4‑H youth programming remains active with livestock projects (dairy, sheep, chicken) and non‑animal activities such as STEM, robotics, cooking, healthy‑living and fiber‑arts clubs. Extension also publishes a monthly "What's in the Garden" newsletter, promotes soil testing and seasonal advice, and encourages residents to use the office’s online pages and Facebook for updates.
Practical details provided on the program: the Extension office phone number is 910‑455‑5873, and the office is located at the county government center. Gardner said two online sources are maintained: the county government page and the Onslow County Extension Center page through NC State.
The remarks were part of an informational segment on Onslow County Today and did not represent a change in county policy or a funding appropriation.
