Black History and the Fight to End Hunger

Since 2018, the Black Farmers’ Market has been a community food hub providing access to fresh food grown directly by Black farmers. The idea first started on Pine Knot Farms, owned by our partners, Stanley Hughes and Linda Leach-Hughes. They were joined by Mark Paylor of 4M Farms. Executive Director Ja’Nell Henry heard stories from Black farmers who faced barriers for generations. 

Fueled by a food justice mission, the Black Farmers’ Market hosts shopping events every Sunday from April to November with alternating weeks in Durham and Raleigh.   

Ja’Nell describes the Black Farmers’ Market as a “grocery store with a vibe.” While shoppers buy locally grown food, a DJ plays classic hip hop and R&B.  

At a time of rising food prices, the Black Farmers’ Market makes healthy food accessible through their Double Bucks program. Families using SNAP can swipe their EBT card for the amount of money they plan to spend. This number is matched by the Black Farmers’ Market through a partnership with Triangle Double Bucks. This summer, the Black Farmers’ Market will also match SUN Bucks, which is a grocery benefits program that gives $120 for each eligible child.  

Our partnership with the Black Farmers’ Market provides food access to communities who need it the most. 1 in 6 people are food insecure across Durham and Raleigh. Ja’Nell reflected on the importance of working with the Food Bank to support families facing hunger.  

I can tell you that nobody goes away hungry. That is the first thing we tell volunteers: nobody goes away hungry. 

– Roxann Landsdowne Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Chair of the Board

Cuts to federal food purchase funding have forced an indefinite pause on our fresh produce partnership with the Black Farmers’ Market. But with your help, we hope to restore programs focused on healthy, locally-grown food. 

We try to make our vegetables and our produce look like a grocery store. And the dignity of choice, I can't say enough about that. Barbara [can] come in and choose, and not be overwhelmed, and [...] have things that are first quality.  

– Amy White Executive Director of Community of Hope Ministries in an interview with WRAL