Stanly County Health Department operates a weekly farmers market within the county government building (1000 N. First St. Albemarle).  This market features locally grown and produced fruits and vegetables, meat, and baked goods.  Stanly Commons Farmers Market is the only market in the county currently accepting EBT cards as payment.  They also participate in the NC WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition voucher program.  Clients of the John P. Murray Community Care Clinic receive fruit, vegetable, and meat vouchers that may be used at the farmers market.  For more information visit Stanly Commons Farmers Market

Stanly Commons Farmers market serves all Stanly County residents with a focus on providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved communities. 

Stanly Commons Farmers Market is located next to Stanly County Health Department and Department of Social Services and is accessible by public tranportation.  EBT shoppers are able to use their funds to purchase locally grown produce, farm raised meats, and baked goods.  In turn, local farmers benefit by being able to access customers who may not otherwise be able to shop at a farmers market.  

Community Care Clinic vouchers redeemed 2022 = $1065          

(Stanly Commons Farmers Market, 2022 CCC market records

WIC vouchers redeemed 2022 = $1550 (23% redemption rate)

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers redeemed 2022 = $3990 (79.5% redemption rate) 

(Heather Todaro, MPA, vendor consultant, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Nutrition Services Branch, December 13, 2022)

In the 2021 and 2022 market seasons, Stanly Commons Farmers Market received a RAFI (Rural Advancement Foundation International) grant that provided "double bucks"  that provided a dollar for dollar match in produce and meats for money spent by customers using EBT, WIC, or Senior vouchers for payment.  

2021 RAFI funds provided $7672.14 in locally grown meat and produce to participants

2022 RAFI funds provided $9546.02 in locally grown meat and produce to participants

(Stanly Commons Farmers Market, 2021/22 RAFI market records)