Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
2 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> NORTH CAROLINA <br /> Farmers face barriers in accessing the capital and facilities needed for value-added <br /> production. Orange County, North Carolina, offers a model for success through the <br /> efficiency of Weaver Street Market's commissary kitchen and the innovation of the <br /> Piedmont Food Processing Center(PFPC), a business incubator generating millions in <br /> annual revenue.Additionally, the county's Agricultural Economic Development Grant <br /> provides essential farm capital. <br /> 3. Selling Food <br /> a. Orange County's food landscape is a mix of traditional retail, direct-to-consumer(DTC) <br /> markets, and institutional programs, all working to overcome hurdles like seasonality <br /> and logistics. While large grocery chains are a driving force, local entities like Weaver <br /> Street Market, Farmer Foodshare, and farmers' markets bridge the gap between county <br /> farms and consumers. Notably,the State of North Carolina has embraced digital equity, <br /> with major retailers and cooperatives now integrating SNAP/EBT for online ordering and <br /> delivery. Meanwhile,the DTC sector is booming; farm-to-consumer sales surged by <br /> 107%over a decade, generating a total economic impact of over$4.5 million through <br /> farmers' markets, community supported agriculture (CSAs), and on-farm stands.The <br /> region's schools and restaurants also serve as critical pillars for the local food economy. <br /> Orange County school systems leads in farm-to-school programming,though <br /> opportunities remain to increase scratch cooking and supply chain diversity. Beyond the <br /> classroom, over 120 full-service restaurants leverage North Carolina-grown ingredients <br /> to enhance quality and brand loyalty. Looking ahead, regional initiatives like Tri-COG <br /> FEEDS aim to further shorten supply chains. By investing in shared infrastructure and <br /> equitable value chains,the broader region hopes to transform local food spending. <br /> 4. Access to Food <br /> a. Food insecurity remains a significant public health challenge in Orange County, North <br /> Carolina, impacting an estimated 13%of its residents —a rate that unfortunately <br /> increased between 2019 and 2023.A major obstacle is the substantial eligibility gap, as <br /> nearly half(49%) of food-insecure individuals earn too much to qualify for federal <br /> assistance like SNAP, despite struggling with the county's comparatively higher average <br /> meal cost of$4.44.This challenge is acute among vulnerable groups, including children <br /> (9.8%food-insecure) and seniors. Federally funded initiatives like the Free and Reduced <br /> Price Meals Program,which assists 39%of local students, and the Summer Food Service <br /> Program (SFSP), address hunger among children. Seniors benefit from programs like the <br /> Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). However, grassroots organizations are <br /> the essential frontline,with networks like PORCH and local food pantries providing <br /> emergency relief, especially during non-school hours and following benefit depletion. <br /> The ability of the County to leverage these partners, demonstrated during a temporary <br /> SNAP payment lapse in late 2025, underscores their vital role in ensuring basic nutrition <br /> and access to food resources across Orange County. <br /> S. Food Waste Diversion <br /> 300 W.Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278 1 www.orangecountync.gov 1 919.245.2057 <br />