NC Cooperative Extension - Union County

05/29/2026

Is that plant helping your landscape — or harming it?

Join NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Union County for the next Successful Gardener program: Wrong Plant, Wrong Place: Identify, Remove & Replace Invasive Plants.

Learn how to identify common invasive plants, safely remove them, and choose beneficial replacements that support healthier landscapes and local ecosystems. Kristyna Culp, NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer and Director of Habitat Builders, will share practical tips and real-world experience from local invasive plant removal workshops.

📅 June 4, 2026
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Union County Agricultural & Events Center
💻 Attend in person or online (Free)

Register here: https://www.mastergardenersunioncountync.org/sg-detail

05/28/2026

Last Thursday, Leadership Union participants visited several local agricultural operations across Union County to learn more about the people, businesses, and industries that help shape our local agriculture community.

A huge thank you to Wise Acres, North Carolina Farms, Little Family Farms, and Alexander Family Farms for opening your doors and sharing your stories with the group! We appreciate the Union County NC Chamber Leadership Union program for the opportunity to showcase Union County agriculture.

05/27/2026

Ever wondered what that EBT card is all about? 🛒✨

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is basically a government-issued debit card that delivers food and cash benefits to those who need a little extra boost. 💳

It’s primarily used for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), helping families put fresh fruits, veggies and essentials on the table. 🍎🥦 The SNAP program also supports our farmers by helping families to buy the food they need.

It works just like a regular bank card—swipe, enter your PIN and you’re good to go! It’s all about providing dignity, nutrition and support to our community members.

If you would like to see if you are eligible for SNAP, visit the More In My Basket website today (morefood.org).

05/23/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Weekend Market 🇺🇸
Kick off the holiday weekend with local food, fresh baked goods, coffee, handmade finds, and more & all under one roof!
🛒 Saturday • 8AM–12PM
📍 805 Skyway Dr.
EBT Accepted

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

The More In My Basket website has many SNAP-friendly recipes available for you to try at home. Whether it is spring, summer, winter or fall, you are sure to find something delicious to help stretch your benefits. Visit morefood.org today!

05/19/2026

Our Spring Canning Series wrapped up yesterday, and we’re so thankful for everyone who joined us to learn, preserve, and build confidence in safe home food preservation!

Missed the spring classes? There’s still time to join us this summer! Registration is now open for our June Saturday series on Saturdays, from 9 AM–12 PM:

🫙 June 13 – Introduction to Canning (FREE)
Register by June 9

🍅 June 20 – Water Bath Canning: Tomatoes – $20
Register by June 15

🥕 June 27 – Pressure Canning: Carrots – $20
Register by June 22

Call 704-283-3801 to register or email Judith Hernandez, Family and Consumer Sciences agent, at [email protected]. Payment will be accepted by cash or check up to the day of class.

05/13/2026

Knowing how to store your food properly at home is just as important as prepping for your next shopping trip. If you use SNAP benefits for your monthly food budget, you understand the necessity of stretching your food dollars as much as possible. One of the ways to do that is by making sure you consume your food items before they expire and keeping canned items handy for emergency situations.

To start building a safe versatile pantry, we suggest you:

🧹 Clean and organize all spaces:
Whether it’s the fridge, freezer, or pantry, now is the time to clean house.

🥫Elevate and protect shelf-stable foods:
Move canned goods, grains, and other pantry staples off the floor and onto higher, stable shelves – especially if you’re in a flood-prone area.

🧃Use the FIFO method:
The First-In-First-Out method is where the oldest food items—those purchased or stored first—are used before newer items. You should always place your older items at the front and the newer ones in the back of the pantry.

To learn more about keeping a versatile pantry or the SNAP program, visit the morefood.org website or call the More In My Basket team toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

05/12/2026

What started as a gardening project grew into a powerful example of community connection, collaboration, and service.

The NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Union County, Class of 2024, partnered with the staff and residents of the Jesse Helms Nursing Center to transform the outdoor space into a vibrant teaching and sensory garden designed to inspire engagement, accessibility, and joy.

Read the full story here:
https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/news/nc-state-extension-master-gardener-volunteers-of-union-county-class-of-2024-transforms-jesse-helms-nursing-center/

Over the course of several months, the NC State Extension Master Gardeners of Union County, Class of 2024, partnered with the staff and residents of the Jesse Helms Nursing Center to breathe new life…

05/12/2026

Are you still interested in gaining entrepreneurial skills focused on being an amazing babysitter? Our last school year Super Sitter class will take place May 12 and 19 from 6-8 pm at the Union County Agricultural Center. Super Sitter is a two-part class focused on infant and child development, safety, first aid and CPR skills (non-certification), communication, and entrepreneurship. New this summer, we are offering a summer bootcamp held on June 27 or August 15 from 10 am - 2 pm. The cost for any sessions are free. Both sessions are open to ages 12-15. The bootcamp will include a catered lunch. Interested in participating, please e-mail at [email protected] to learn more or register at https://go.ncsu.edu/supersitterbootcamp.

05/06/2026

Did you know that you can use your SNAP benefits at the farmers market? 🍎

Ask at your market’s welcome booth if they accept SNAP benefits. If they do, you should receive market scrip or tokens to use to purchase produce and other eligible food items.

If you have questions about the SNAP program, visit the More In My Basket website at morefood.org or call them toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.