Mecklenburg County Center

Mecklenburg County Center | N.C. Cooperative Extension

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July Newsletter

July, 2026

July is moving quickly, and August is almost upon us. Last month, we celebrated National Pollinator Week, highlighting the vital role these tiny creatures play in our ecosystems. Next month, we’ll take that enthusiasm a step further as we pause to count our pollinators. Are you a citizen scientist? This is your chance to get involved and make a meaningful contribution—read more in the article below.

Our team continues to work across the region to support pollination efforts, but that’s just one part of our broader mission. Throughout July, we’ve been educating community members on food safety, empowering youth through development programs, and supporting the county’s agricultural producers as they navigate the ongoing drought. We are still in drought protocol in Mecklenburg County. Check out these resources for more information: Drought – Products | North Carolina State Climate Office and City Moves to Mandatory Water Restrictions, Burn Ban - City of Charlotte

As always, we appreciate your partnership and engagement as we strengthen the community together.

Renewed Interest in Buying Local

By Heather Kelejian, Mecklenburg County Extension Director

As part of the Extension family in Wilmington, NC, fresh, local food was always a part of the conversation. But moving to the Mecklenburg County Extension office, with its strong focus on local foods, rekindled a passion for eating local. Since I returned to Charlotte in June, I have found myself at local markets in the Queen City, Raleigh, Kannapolis, Washington, DC, the mountains, the beach and back in Wilmington. Travel for work and recreation has given me the opportunity to explore local food sources and I have not been disappointed. But if you are new to local purchasing, it can be hard to know where to start. The internet provides great opportunities to look for local information, but my favorite thing to do is to talk to people who live in the area. A stop in a local gas station or drug store can lead to some great suggestions. Some areas have excellent local magazines that highlight local spots and of course keep your eyes open as you drive or walk through an area for signs and pop-up stands. 

Buying local requires some flexibility, you can’t plan out where local stands will be or what they will have for sale, but for me the uncertainty adds to the charm. Over Fourth of July week my family was rewarded with delicious watermelons, cantaloupes and fresh made pies from Andrew’s Produce, North Topsail Beach. During our stay someone from our group was at the farm stand daily.

As you add local purchasing to your shopping habits here are some tips that help me with my shopping: carry cash, some of the best local vendors in rural areas are cash only, bring your own bags, be patient, often it is a family running a stand and they have a small staff. Most of all enjoy the experience and don’t just think local for food, there are many incredible artisans in local communities providing opportunities for unique gifts or items for your home. 

Meet Me at the Farmers Market: July

Sweet Summer Starts Here

July is when North Carolina's growing season truly shines. Tables overflow with tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, sweet corn, squash, cucumbers, and one of summer's favorite treats—watermelon. There's no better time to meet your local farmer and experience everything Charlotte-area farmers markets have to offer. National Farmers Market week is August 2nd through August 9th, the perfect time to start a new habit by including shopping at your local farmers market each week. 

Summer markets are about much more than shopping. They're gathering places where families learn, musicians perform, children discover healthy foods, and neighbors connect with the people who grow their food.

This month, don't miss:

• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market – For one day only, Carnivorous Pop-Up from the Carnivorous Plants by Kenny Coogan. Step into the strange and fascinating world of plants that eat insects. The market also continues its SNAP Double Bucks program throughout the season. 

• Uptown Farmers Market – July marks the beginning of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, helping eligible older adults purchase fresh fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers. 

• Many area markets also feature weekly cooking demonstrations that show shoppers simple ways to prepare seasonal produce.

What to Buy This Month

• Watermelon

• Tomatoes

• Sweet corn

• Blueberries

• Peaches

• Cucumbers

• Okra

• Summer squash

Meet Me at the Farmers Market Challenge

Try one vegetable you've never cooked before and ask the farmer for their favorite way to prepare it.

It’s estimated that North Carolinians spend $35 billion on food every year. If each of us spent 10% of our grocery budget on local food, $3.5 billion would flow into our local food economy!

Check out this video from our FCS agent on your options to still enjoy fresh produce:

Follow us for Tips & Updates on the Parasite

Are you interested in becoming a NC State Extension Master Gardener?„  (EMG) volunteer?

Information sessions are scheduled.  You can find more information here:

Where is Demetria? 

Here's where you can find our illustrious Family & Consumer Science Agent

Tuesday, July 21st & 28th- Enhance your Meals at Home with Cooking Techniques
Participants will learn skills to enhance their cooking at home to celebrate Culinary Arts Month.

Tuesday, Aug 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th- Food Preservation Series
Participants will learn & demonstrate hands-on safe food preservation techniques & take home items to help start their journey.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Farmers Market Dates

• Sat, July 18th, 2026, 8am – 12pm
  Uptown Farmers Market Cooking Demo
  300 S Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28202
• Wed, July 22nd, 2026, 8am – 12pm
  North Meck Community Farmers Market Cooking Demo
  21445 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
• Sat, Aug 15th, 2026, 8am – 12pm
  Uptown Farmers Market Cooking Demo
  300 S Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28202
• Wed, Aug 12th, 2026, 8am – 12pm
  North Meck Community Farmers Market Cooking Demo
  21445 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031

On Positively Charlotte, Queen City News WJZY-46

• Wed, Aug 19th, 2026 10-11a
• Wed, Sept, 23rd 2026 10-11a

Keep an eye on our calendar for activities for all programs: Events - Mecklenburg County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension

Mecklenburg County Counts Pollinators Together

Join us in August, as we collaborate with our partners across the county to count Pollinators.  For more information and to follow our efforts, check out the full story.

Let us know you want to volunteer!  Sign up here to be notified of volunteer opportunities:

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N.C. Cooperative Extension - Mecklenburg County Center, 2415 Lester Street, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States