Latest news with #SanfordAgriculturalMarketplace
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Agricultural marketplace one year from opening
Construction is well underway at the Pilgrim's Sanford Agricultural Marketplace on Charlotte Avenue and First Street. Several members of the Sanford City Council recently visited the site. 'This incredible project has brought many folks together with a shared common vision,' Mayor Rebecca Salmon said in a press release. 'We cannot wait to see how this grows, how this develops, and how it becomes a key cornerstone of the things that make Sanford truly special.' Set to open in the spring of 2026, the marketplace will serve as a regional hub for farmers, artisans and visitors across the Sandhills region and surrounding counties, the release states. In addition to serving as the home for the Sanford Farmers' Market, the site will offer year-round programming in partnership with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, including educational workshops, cooking classes and demonstrations on food preservation. The building will also provide a commercial kitchen to support local food-based businesses. Councilwoman Jean Dabbs emphasized the marketplace's role in supporting local entrepreneurship. 'It will provide a place for our farmers and all kinds of vendors every Saturday, and as we continue, it'll be open multiple times during the week.' 'It's going to be a big boon,' Councilman JD Williams said. 'We already have people going to the local farms, my wife included. They won't have to do that anymore. All they have to do is come to the marketplace arena.' 'Growing up in Sanford, whether or not my mother had a successful summer depended on how many canned goods she had,' Councilwoman Linda Rhodes said. 'With support from our Cooperative Extension agency here in Sanford, the new farmers' market will offer instructions on how to properly can vegetables.' Salmon noted the marketplace will also serve as the gateway to the future Sanford Central Green. The revitalized public space will extend from downtown to the Sanford Municipal Center at 225 E. Weatherspoon St. 'This innovative green space will offer opportunities to engage not only in the farmers' market, but also in various green spaces and interactive activities — all designed to create a phenomenal quality of life for generations to come,' she added. Over $3 million has been raised through the support of public and private partners. Contributors include the Ruby and Ernest McSwain Worthy Lands Trust, the North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Transformation Grant Fund, the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the Pilgrim's Hometown Strong Fund and Lee County Farm Bureau. The City of Sanford will make the remaining investment using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, according to the release. Follow construction progress on the city's projects hub at
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sanford receives 'Spirit of North Carolina' Award
The United Way of North Carolina recognized the City of Sanford with the Spirit of North Carolina Award in the Sustainability Through Engagement category at a ceremony held on March 11. The annual award celebrates people and organizations for their exemplary partnership with the United Way, demonstrated through fundraising and volunteer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building. The city was nominated by the United Way of Lee County due to the steady growth of the city's United Way campaign — which encourages employees to make an annual contribution. 'The city also has a significant number of Fair Share donors — those contributing one hour's pay per month or 1% of salary,' said Kendra Martin, executive director of United Way of Lee County. The city's support of community initiatives addressing homelessness and food insecurity was also commended. 'The city is the backbone organization for S3 Housing Connect, a local task force addressing homelessness,' Martin said. 'Additionally, the city has partnered with NC Cooperative Extension's Lee County Center on the Pilgrim's Sanford Agricultural Marketplace, which will help address food insecurity and accessibility issues for people living in or near downtown.' The award ceremony recognized 14 recipients representing five United Ways in the central North Carolina region. Along with Sanford, the United Way of Lee County also recognized FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
