Spring into Action: The Donation Station Program is Coming to A Farmers Market Near You

(Updated: March 2, 2026, 12:22 p.m.)
table full of colorful produce

Support Local Farmers & Fight Food Insecurity

With the vibrant hues of spring blossoming and the promise of summer warmth on the horizon, now is the perfect time to embrace the richness of our local farmers' markets. Imagine supporting your community's hardworking farmers and contributing to vital food relief efforts, all within a single, fulfilling visit. This is the opportunity presented by the Donation Station Program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center.

We're thrilled to announce the return of the Donation Station Program for 2026, where we are partnering with three of Forsyth County's treasured farmers' markets:

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers Market  - The second Saturday of every month from May through September - 7:00 AM to 12 Noon.

Clemmons Farmers Market  - The third Saturday of every month from May through September - 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. 

Cobblestone Farmers Market - Every Saturday beginning in May through December - 8:30 AM to 12 Noon. 

About the Donation Station Program

It's a simple yet powerful initiative designed to increase access to fresh, locally grown food while simultaneously supporting the farmers who cultivate it. Volunteers stationed at the markets collect food donations from shoppers, directly from their farmers' market purchases. These donations are then gathered and distributed to local relief centers, ensuring that nutrient-rich produce reaches those facing food insecurity.

The impact is profound, particularly for families struggling to access essential, healthy foods. By participating, you're directly contributing to a more resilient and nourished community. N.C. Cooperative Extension passionately encourages your support for our local farmers, farmers' markets, and food pantries across Forsyth County. This marks the third year of the Donation Station Program, and we're delighted to see our goal of expanding it to Forsyth County's top three farmers' markets realized.

Join us in making a difference! To learn more about the Donation Station Program, volunteer opportunities, or how to contribute, please get in touch with Virginia C. Lopez at (336) 703-2867 or via email at virginia_lopez@ncsu.edu or lopezv2@forsyth.cc.

N.C. Cooperative Extension promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon one’s race; color; religion (including belief and non-belief); sex, including but not limited to pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical condition, parenting and sexual harassment; sexual orientation; actual or perceived gender identity; age; national origin; disability; veteran status; genetic information; or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.