FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2011

State Farmers Market kicks off ‘Week of Giving’ Sunday, Dec. 4

RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market will start collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle during its “Week of Giving” food drive Dec. 4-10. Shoppers can drop off food items or make monetary donations under the giving tree located in the Market Shoppes.

“Last year, market visitors helped us collect more than 1,200 pounds of food,” said market manager Ronnie Best. “It’s humbling to be a part of something that has such an impact on our community.”

The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle recovers good food that would otherwise be discarded to feed the hungry in Wake and surrounding counties. In addition to the “Week of Giving,” the State Farmers Market partners with the food shuttle to redistribute annually about 1.5 million pounds of unwanted fresh produce to local pantries and shelters.

The week-long food drive will culminate with the Market Shoppes Open House Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature holiday gifts for purchase, free samples from market vendors and prizes. Radio personalities Mike Raley and Anne Clapp also will be on-hand for a live broadcast of their “Weekend Gardener” show. The WPTF 680 AM hosts will offer free gardening advice to the crowd from 8 to 11 a.m.

The Market Shoppes offer a large selection of N.C. products and gift ideas including meats and cheeses, jams and jellies, gift baskets, candles and soaps. N.C. Christmas trees, seasonal produce and firewood are available in the Farmers Building. For more information about the market, go to http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh.