Love Your Local: Mecklenburg County Celebrates Local Food System
The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center is gearing up for a celebration of local food, sustainability, and community connection with Love Your Local—an exciting series of events aimed at highlighting the importance of our local food system. The festivities kick off on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22 and offer a diverse lineup of engaging activities for all ages.
Kickoff Dinner: Tuesday, April 22
Love Your Local launches with a kickoff dinner for local farmers, where they can learn about market channel options in our region. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated meal featuring locally sourced ingredients while learning how to sell the amazing things they grow.
Gardening Demonstrations: Wednesday, April 23
Two hands-on gardening demonstrations will take place at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market to teach participants best practices for growing fresh produce at home. Experts will share insights on soil health, planting techniques, and sustainable gardening methods.
Brewery Trivia Night: Thursday, April 24
Three local breweries across Mecklenburg County will host trivia, testing participants’ knowledge on food sustainability, local agriculture, and craft brewing. Host breweries include Monday Night Brewing, Free Range Brewing and Armored Cow Brewing.
Cooking Demonstrations: Friday, April 25
Two cooking demonstrations at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will showcase how to prepare delicious meals using ingredients highlighted in the Wednesday gardening demonstrations. Attendees will gain practical cooking tips, recipe ideas, and tastings and have an opportunity to purchase the finished product.
Farmers Market Shopping Tour: Saturday, April 26
Guided farmers market shopping tours will be available at the Uptown Farmers Market, where experts will introduce attendees to local vendors, share shopping tips, and offer insights into selecting the freshest seasonal produce.
Youth Cook-Off: Sunday, April 27
In partnering with Can U Cook?, the week concludes with a youth cook-off at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, where young aspiring chefs will compete by creating dishes using locally sourced ingredients. This fun and friendly competition encourages children to engage with their food, learn about where it comes from, and develop healthy eating habits.
Love Your Local is a call to action to support local farmers, businesses, and food producers while fostering a deeper connection to the food we eat and education about our food system.
For more information or to register for events, visit mecklenburg.ces.ncsu.edu.
About the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center is one of 101 Extension Centers across North Carolina, and one of six Urban Centers. Since 2024, the Extension has operated as a contract organization within Mecklenburg County’s County Manager’s Office and is a partner in Environmental Leadership Action Plan program initiatives.