The N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Mecklenburg County Center is preparing to host a celebration of the local food system through an event series titled “Love Your Local.” This initiative aims to emphasize the significance of local agriculture, sustainability, and community ties. Scheduled to commence on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, the event lineup offers several activities catering to individuals of all ages.
The series begins with a kickoff dinner for local farmers on April 22. This event will provide information on regional market channel options and feature a meal made with locally sourced ingredients. Following this, on April 23, gardening demonstrations at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will showcase techniques for home gardening, focusing on soil health and sustainable practices.
On April 24, three Mecklenburg County breweries will host a trivia night. The trivia aims to test knowledge in areas such as food sustainability and local agriculture. Participating breweries include Monday Night Brewing, Free Range Brewing, and Armored Cow Brewing.
April 25 will feature cooking demonstrations at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. These demonstrations will use ingredients from Wednesday’s gardening event to show attendees how to prepare meals, offering tips and tastings. Market tours on April 26 at the Uptown Farmers Market will guide attendees through vendor selections, offering advice on purchasing fresh, seasonal produce.
The event series concludes on April 27 with a youth cook-off in collaboration with Can U Cook? at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Young participants will compete by creating dishes using local ingredients, aiming to foster an understanding of food origins and promote healthy eating habits.
“Love Your Local” is designed to inspire community involvement in supporting local farmers, businesses, and food producers, thereby enhancing knowledge and connections with the food system. Further details and event registration are available at mecklenburg.ces.ncsu.edu.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center, operates as part of Mecklenburg County’s administrative structure and contributes to the Environmental Leadership Action Plan initiatives. Since 2024, it has been one of the six Urban Centers within North Carolina’s 101 Extension Centers.
