CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Neighbors in the McCrorey Heights neighborhood are excited about a new produce stand which opened up at a local church. It's a trend happening across the northern part of Mecklenburg County.
African-American churches on the northside are partnering with local farmers to start produce markets in neighborhoods where there's been a void.
"We feel like there shouldn't be a restriction where people can't get fresh produce if they want it," said Denise Hairston, founder of the Black Women's Health Network. Hairston leads the non-profit which is helping to connect the churches, farmers, and neighborhoods.
She estimates 10,000 people live close enough to the markets to walk. They will serve neighborhoods where access to large grocery stores and farmers markets has been limited.
"I love fresh fruit and vegetables. I love community support, the neighborhood concept," said neighbor Marielle Smith. She and friend Edith Shearin can walk to the market at First Baptist Church West on Oaklawn Avenue.
Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church on Monteith Drive and New Zion Missionary Baptist Church on West Todd Lane are also participating. The markets are open Saturdays, from 10:00 am to 2:00 PM. The last one is scheduled for October 22nd.
Hairston says the markets also accept government assistance cards.
"Being able to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the community and expose those who buy canned goods and high-salted foods has been a wonderful experience," said Reverend Glencie Rhedrick with First Baptist Church West.
Rhedrick said they've only been doing the markets a few weeks, but last weekend they sold a 100-percent of their fruits and vegetables.
It's a labor of love for Gary Dawkins who also volunteers at his church, Greenville Memorial AME Zion in the Hidden Valley neighborhood.
Dawkins helps set up the tents and tables. He loves hearing neighbors ask, "What do we have this week?" or talking about what they will cook when they go home.
"We did our homework in the community," he says, of the effort to pass out fliers and communicate with neighbors.
Hairston says each market offers a nutritionist and healthy cook tips on-site. She says the goal is to get people moving more in a direction of healthy living.
It's their way of planting a seed and helping it grow.
The program is funded by a two-year grant.
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