Now is not the time to find a crack in your coverage, too. Life can be full of unpleasant surprises. Make sure that your auto insurance isn’t, with a Confidential Insurance Review from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent. Helping you is what we do best. 704-477-2452 www.ncfbins.com An Authorized Agency for Lora Gold Agent lora.gold@ncfbins.com NCAUPR40861 *North Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Insurance of North Carolina, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co. *An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association 63469
<strong>2015</strong> Cleveland County <strong>Fair</strong> Entry & Award Catalog A salute to Foothills Farmers’ Market At Cleveland County <strong>Fair</strong>, our purpose is to showcase and promote the region’s agriculture, agribusiness, arts, crafts and culture through the annual agricultural fair. In keeping with the mission, we are pleased to salute Foothills Farmers’ Market, a non-profit organization that makes many of these commodities available to local consumers. Established in 2008, Foothills Farmers’ Market has grown to serve as the cornerstone of Cleveland County’s rapidly growing local food movement. The Market operates three seasonal tailgate market locations in Shelby and Kings Mountain, providing a direct connection to approximately 80 vendors with deep roots in Cleveland County and the surrounding region. These dedicated vendors include farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat & poultry growers, value-added specialty foods producers, and artisanal crafters. Nearly 1,500 market customers visit the Market’s three locations each week. Foothills Farmers’ Market provides a viable retail market for locally-grown fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and valueadded products, which generates additional income for farmers and creates opportunities for small and mid-size family farms to engage profitably in production agriculture. By increasing the availability and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Market also improves public health. The Market’s surplus food distribution program helps reduce hunger and food insecurity in Cleveland County, and their educational programs helps reduce hunger and food insecurity in Cleveland County, and their educational programs and activities strengthen the social fabric of the community by building awareness and appreciation for local agriculture. Market operations produce significant impact on the county’s economy, health, and quality of life. Eighty percent of vendors report that Foothills Farmers’ Market has enabled them to grow their businesses by increasing production, adding new products, hiring additional labor, and selling at new market locations. Total sales at three market locations have grown to more than $400,000 annually. Sales of health foods grew by $<strong>12</strong>5,052 from 20<strong>12</strong> to <strong>2015</strong>, indicating that shoppers are increasing their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, shown to reduce a number chronic health conditions. Each year, approximately 1,000 citizens participate in marketsponsored tours, farm to table events, demonstrations, and other activities designed to increase the community’s awareness and appreciation of agriculture and local foods. Earlier this year, Foothills Farmers’ Market achieved a milestone goal by moving its Uptown Shelby Market to City Pavilion. This beautiful, stateof-the-art facility now provides the weather protection, customer parking, restrooms, equipment storage, and cold storage needed to support and grow market operations. By shopping at Foothills Farmers’ Market, you’re making food buying choices that are good for you and the local community. You’re also spending your food dollar directly with local farmers. This strengthens the local economy, protects family farms, preserves open space, and protects the natural environment. Nourish your body, mind and spirit. Connect with the local community and make food shopping the pleasant experience it should be! Get to know the people who grow your food. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, meet up with friends, and bring the kids along. There’s something for everyone at Foothills Farmers’ Market! 1
Change language