RALEIGH — The State Farmer Market is hosting some special events to help you check people off your gift list and give back to those in need this holiday season.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Market Shoppes will host its annual Open House from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free samples of locally made products, enter to win door prizes and find custom gift ideas. Vendors also will have a large selection of local meats, cheeses, seafood and wine for upcoming holiday meals. Handmade candles, soaps, gift baskets and other handicrafts make great stocking stuffers, and are available from market vendors.
In addition, WPTF radio personalities Mike Raley and Anne Clapp will be taping a live broadcast of their “Weekend Gardener Show” at the market from 8 to 11 a.m. Shoppers can stop by and ask their gardening questions on-air. There also will be door prizes and free food samples throughout the broadcast.
The State Farmers Market also conducts its “Week of Giving” campaign to benefit Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Sunday, Dec. 8, through Saturday, Dec. 14. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the market and place them under the giving tree in the Market Shoppes. Monetary donations for the hunger-relief agency also will be accepted.
Throughout the year, the State Farmers Market partners with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle to provide food to more than 220 hunger-relief agencies throughout the Triangle. Each day, food shuttle staff collect donations from market vendors, including food gleaned, unsold or nearing expiration.
“The State Farmers Market does a tremendous job of relieving hunger in the community through its partnership with the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This holiday season, I hope even more of the community will reach out and help those who are hungry through the ‘Week of Giving’ campaign.”
The State Farmers Market and Market Shoppes are open seven days a week. The market is located at 1201 Agriculture St. in Raleigh. More information about the market is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.