FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, DEC. 3, 2009

Buy local and help local at the State Farmers Market’s
Week of Giving food drive

RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market will host its “Week of Giving” to benefit the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Sunday, Dec. 6, through Saturday, Dec. 12, in the Market Shoppes. Shoppers are invited to leave non-perishable food items under the Giving Tree, as well as make monetary donations to benefit the charity.

“It is shameful that in such an agriculturally blessed state as North Carolina, children go to bed without supper and families have to decide between buying gas or medicine and buying groceries,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The State Farmers Market hopes this food drive will encourage people to not only to support our local farmers, but help our neighbors in need."

Donations will stock emergency food pantries in Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham, Johnston, Edgecombe and Nash counties. Inter-Faith Food Shuttle receives food from more than 220 donors, with 60 percent of its annual donations coming from the market.

The State Farmers Market also works with the food shuttle throughout the year by collecting donations from vendors each day, including food gleaned, unsold or nearing expiration. Inter-Faith Food Shuttle has been salvaging food from the market since it opened in 1991.

Visitors can also find items to donate and gifts at the Market Shoppes’ Open House on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.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.

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