FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3, 2008

State Farmers Market hosts Week of Giving
to benefit Inter-Faith Food Shuttle

RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market is synonymous with fresh, local produce perfect for seasonal spreads. But for many North Carolina families, the holidays can be a hard time to provide any food for their tables.

The State Farmers Market will host its “Week of Giving” to benefit the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Sunday, Dec. 7, through Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Market Shoppes. Shoppers are invited to leave non-perishable food items under the Giving Tree, as well as monetary donations to benefit the charity.

“During the season of giving, it’s even more important to help our fellow North Carolinians,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The State Farmers Market works with the Food Shuttle throughout the year to utilize unsold produce, but we are especially aware of the great need for healthy food during the holidays.”   

The donations will stock emergency food pantries in Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham, Johnston, Edgecombe and Nash counties. The Food Shuttle receives food from more than 220 donors, with 60 percent of its annual donations coming from the market. Throughout the year, its staff collects donations from State Farmers Market vendors each day, including food gleaned, unsold or nearing expiration.

“With the economy in bad shape, we see more middle-class families as recipients of our food programs,” said Don Eli, director of food sourcing at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. “We can’t keep up with this increase in demand for food, making our partnership with the State Farmers Market and the Week of Giving even more important.”

Visitors can also find items to donate and gift at the Market Shoppes’ Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 8 to 11 a.m., along with free samples and prizes. The market is open seven days a week and is located at 1201 Agriculture St., off Exit 297 (Lake Wheeler Road) of Interstate 40.

-kwj-1