Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Blazing Star Flowers, a participant in the farm business incubator at the SAHC Community Farm, still has shares available in their fresh flower CSA. The flower CSA/weekly subscription starts on June 9, and you can choose either a pre-made bouquet or loose flowers to arrange yourself. Join for just a month or for the whole season. Pick up your flowers weekly at one of four locations (South Asheville, SAHC Community Farm, River Arts District, or Weaverville), or have them delivered (for additional fee). There is time to sign up to begin your weekly flower subscription this month!
FLOWER CSA MEMBERSHIPS
Get farm fresh local flowers every week and support local agriculture at the same time. Enjoy them yourself or give a share as a cheerful gift. Sign up for one month or the full summer season June-September. We grow over 50 species and 200 varieties of flowers to offer you a range of color, texture, and botanical interest all season long. These fresh flower bouquets add a bright spot to your home or workspace.
What’s a flower CSA membership or share? The term has been used somewhat interchangeably with flower subscription and flower subscription service. A subscription is also a weekly flower pick up or delivery but the heart of the relationship behind a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture share is one of partnership and support more than frequent customer. Learn about the CSA origin story and model here or read our CSA Member Agreement here.
SELECT A PRE-MADE BOUQUET OR LOOSE FLOWER STEMS:
As a CSA member, you will receive lush seasonal flowers every Thursday. As you order, select either a ‘Pre-made Bouquet’ or a bucket of ‘Loose Flowers’ to arrange yourself. Both bouquet and bucket members will receive a short video explaining how to best care for their flowers for a long vase life.
FREE PICK UP SPOTS:
Thursday 3-6pm at the SAHC Community Farm
228 Mag Sluder Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
Thursday 3:00-5:30 at Honey & the Hive
23 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville, NC 28787
Thursday 3:30-7:30 at pleb urban winery
289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801
Thursday 3-5 at Karen Donatelli’s
1000 Hendersonville Rd, South Asheville, 28803
DELIVERY:
We offer CSA deliveries on Wednesdays for an additional charge of $10 per week to the greater Asheville area. Not sure if we deliver to your address? Please contact us and we’ll let you know.
 |
Farmer-to-Farmer Training
WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).
Why join CRAFT?
- Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
- Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
- Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.
-
Sale!
Festival Weekend PLUS Pass
$175.00 – $203.00
October 20-23, 2022 *Must be purchased by LEAF Member* Thursday 4:30pm to Sunday 7pm including overnight tent camping.
-
Sale!
Festival Weekend Pass
$135.00 – $159.00
October 21-23, 2022 Fri 9am – Sun 7pm. Includes overnight camping
-
Sale!
Festival Community Pass
$95.00 – $105.00
Fri 4:30pm – 2am, Sat 9am – 2am, Sun 9am – 7pm. No overnights / camping. No Thu. access. Must have alternate overnight accommodations nearby
-
Sale!
Festival Saturday Pass
$53.00 – $59.00
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM. No overnight camping.
|
Sand Hill Community Garden workday every Saturday, 9am-11am, weather permitting. Join the community garden email list to stay up to date on garden tasks, workday cancellations and special events.
email [email protected] for more information.
 |
|
Planting a pollinator meadow can be tricky to start — but glorious when you get it right. Join Emily Sampson, owner of PatchWork Meadows, and Black Mountain’s pollinator garden coordinator, to tour the half-acre pollinator meadow planted in spring of 2020 on the back nine holes of the Black Mountain Disc Golf Course at Veterans Park. You’ll learn the secrets of meadow creation success, get a primer on native plant species composition, and identify the pollinators that call the meadow home. All ages are welcome. |
Leave any parcel of land in the Blue Ridge undisturbed for long enough and a forest will spontaneously generate. Learn the stages of forest succession following a path of natural transition from field to forest at the Arboretum.
The hardest part about planting for pollinators is…getting started.
In this back-to-basics presentation, experts Tanya LaCorte and Ruth Gonzalez will help you start your garden or patio pots from scratch. They will cover the basic needs of any pollinator garden, highlight some important native plants to consider, and give you their best practices for an effective pollinator habitat. They’ll also touch on certifying your Pollinator Habitat through GreenWorks. This is a great workshop for anyone who wants a shortcut to start protecting pollinators on their own back deck or in their backyard.
| 12pm | Juneteenth Celebration Opening | Opening Words Sandra Wheeler QueenLee |
|
| 1pm | Local Artist Performances | Crystal Ease Dogg Jay C |
|
| 2pm | Local Artist Performances | Kia City Jordan Suratt |
|
| 3pm | Live Band | The Hypnotic Band | |
| 4pm | Kids Showdown | Marley Art Bus Dance Teams Kids talent Show Dove Fly Sax Life |
|
| 5pm | Resource Hour | Philip Cooper- Change Agent Brittany Bettini- Bettini Financial Dr Randall Johnson – Community Leader |
|
| 6pm | Local Artist Performances | Daniel Solo Big Rula Field Mob |
|
| 7pm | TOP Promotions Showcase | Top Entertainment Ready Red Mook |
|
| 8pm | National Recording Aritst | Rocko |
Buncombe County Juneteenth Holiday Schedule: County Center – Buncombe County Juneteenth Holiday Schedule
Blazing Star Flowers, a participant in the farm business incubator at the SAHC Community Farm, still has shares available in their fresh flower CSA. The flower CSA/weekly subscription starts on June 9, and you can choose either a pre-made bouquet or loose flowers to arrange yourself. Join for just a month or for the whole season. Pick up your flowers weekly at one of four locations (South Asheville, SAHC Community Farm, River Arts District, or Weaverville), or have them delivered (for additional fee). There is time to sign up to begin your weekly flower subscription this month!
FLOWER CSA MEMBERSHIPS
Get farm fresh local flowers every week and support local agriculture at the same time. Enjoy them yourself or give a share as a cheerful gift. Sign up for one month or the full summer season June-September. We grow over 50 species and 200 varieties of flowers to offer you a range of color, texture, and botanical interest all season long. These fresh flower bouquets add a bright spot to your home or workspace.
What’s a flower CSA membership or share? The term has been used somewhat interchangeably with flower subscription and flower subscription service. A subscription is also a weekly flower pick up or delivery but the heart of the relationship behind a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture share is one of partnership and support more than frequent customer. Learn about the CSA origin story and model here or read our CSA Member Agreement here.
SELECT A PRE-MADE BOUQUET OR LOOSE FLOWER STEMS:
As a CSA member, you will receive lush seasonal flowers every Thursday. As you order, select either a ‘Pre-made Bouquet’ or a bucket of ‘Loose Flowers’ to arrange yourself. Both bouquet and bucket members will receive a short video explaining how to best care for their flowers for a long vase life.
FREE PICK UP SPOTS:
Thursday 3-6pm at the SAHC Community Farm
228 Mag Sluder Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
Thursday 3:00-5:30 at Honey & the Hive
23 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville, NC 28787
Thursday 3:30-7:30 at pleb urban winery
289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801
Thursday 3-5 at Karen Donatelli’s
1000 Hendersonville Rd, South Asheville, 28803
DELIVERY:
We offer CSA deliveries on Wednesdays for an additional charge of $10 per week to the greater Asheville area. Not sure if we deliver to your address? Please contact us and we’ll let you know.
|
Farmer-to-Farmer Training
WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).
Why join CRAFT?
- Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
- Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
- Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.
-
Sale!
Festival Weekend PLUS Pass
$175.00 – $203.00
October 20-23, 2022 *Must be purchased by LEAF Member* Thursday 4:30pm to Sunday 7pm including overnight tent camping.
-
Sale!
Festival Weekend Pass
$135.00 – $159.00
October 21-23, 2022 Fri 9am – Sun 7pm. Includes overnight camping
-
Sale!
Festival Community Pass
$95.00 – $105.00
Fri 4:30pm – 2am, Sat 9am – 2am, Sun 9am – 7pm. No overnights / camping. No Thu. access. Must have alternate overnight accommodations nearby
-
Sale!
Festival Saturday Pass
$53.00 – $59.00
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM. No overnight camping.
|
|
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.
In this workshop, European honey bees take a backseat to the almost 4,000
species of bees native to North America. Learn about the lives of these vital pollinators through an exploration of common species and the essential habitat each
requires for nesting and survival. This discussion is lead by Brannen Basham, a nature writer, horticulturist, and small business owner of Spriggly’s Beescaping, which offers a variety of nature education and habitat restoration services.
Brannen Basham is a nature writer, horticulturist, and small business owner of Spriggly’s Beescaping, which offers a variety of nature education and habitat restoration services. He writes weekly nature articles for the Sylva Herald, and has been featured in regional and national publications such as Smoky Mountain Living and 2 Million Blossoms. Brannen’s published works include a non-fiction collection of nature articles A Guide to the Wonderful World Around Us and his children’s book, Finding Home: A Story of a Mason Bee, written with his wife and business partner, Jill Jacobs. Brannen has presented nearly 40 times across the region in the past 4 years and recently published an online course series, Gardening for the Planet, which teaches students methods to become stewards of the environment in their own backyards. In addition to nature education, Brannen offers habitat restoration and pollinator landscape design services. Learn more at sprigglys.com
|
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
 |
|
Each year, Asheville GreenWorks plants more than 1,000 trees as part of our commitment to restore Asheville’s tree canopy. However, we can’t do it without the help of our volunteers. Each year hundreds of tree lovers dedicate a day (or more) to potting, planting, or caring for the saplings that will keep urban Asheville cool and green now and in the future.
You are welcome to schedule a specific workday for your group or to join one of our public workdays every Tuesday from April to July from 10am-12pm. |
The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.
Come learn how to make jam and do boiling water bath canning
This is an in-person class where participants will learn about the differences between jams, jellies, preserves, conserves and marmalades. They will learn to use research based methods as they take part in a hands on learning experience making and preserving Fruit Jam using the hot water bath process.
2022)—After piloting the Farm Fresh Produce Prescription in 2021, ASAP has
expanded the program this season to partner with multiple healthcare access points and local food outlets
in Buncombe and Henderson counties. The program allows healthcare providers to “prescribe” patients
fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms to help treat or prevent diet-related illness. Patients can
redeem prescriptions, totaling $20 to $60 per week, depending on household size, at nine farmers markets
or through The AVL Box, a local food delivery service. The Farm Fresh Produce Prescription is part of
ASAP’s Farm Fresh for Health initiative, which addresses the real and perceived barriers that influence
what we eat and determine health outcomes.
ASAP is currently working with MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) and Sona Pharmacy to
offer produce prescriptions. In addition, the program is available as a service of the Healthy Opportunities
Pilot with select Medicaid insurance providers. Eligible patients are those who suffer from or are at risk of
developing a diet-related condition and are either eligible for a federal supplemental nutrition program such
as SNAP or enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. Find out more about eligibility and the referral process at
asapconnections.org/prescription.
How It Works
Screening and Referral Process
Participating healthcare providers screen patients for program eligibility. Eligible patients are those who suffer from or are at risk of developing a diet-related condition AND meet one of the following criteria: 1) eligible for a federal supplemental nutrition program such as SNAP or free and reduced lunch, or 2) enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. Healthcare providers submit a referral to ASAP via the NCCARE360 UniteUs app. ASAP will follow up directly with a unique Prescription Identification Number.
ASAP is currently partnering with MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) and Sona Pharmacy to offer produce prescriptions. If you are a patient at MAHEC, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you are eligible. If you are a patient enrolled in Sona’s Medication Support Program, Sona Access, email [email protected] to find out if you are eligible.
ASAP’s Farm Fresh Produce Prescription is also available as a service of Healthy Opportunities Pilot with select Medicaid insurance providers, listed below. If you think you may be eligible for this program, call the Member Services line listed on your Medicaid card to begin the eligibility assessment and be referred to this program.
- WellCare of North Carolina – 866-799-5318
- AmeriHealth Caritas – 855-375-8811
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (Healthy Blue) – 844-594-5070
- UnitedHealthcare – 800-349-1855
Filling Your Prescription
Farm Fresh Produce Prescriptions can be redeemed weekly. The value of the prescription depends on household size.
- 1-2 members = $20/week
- 3-4 members = $40/week
- 5+ members = $60/week
Farmers Markets
Redeem your prescription at one of the participating farmers markets listed below. Present your Prescription Identification Number to the staff person at the market information booth in exchange for Farm Fresh Bucks. These are wooden tokens that you can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from any produce vendor at the market. Farm Fresh Bucks do not expire and may be used on other visits or at other markets.
- Asheville City Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
- East Asheville Tailgate Market, Fridays, 3-6 p.m.
- Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, Thursdays, 3-6 p.m.
- Hendersonville Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Mills River Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- North Asheville Tailgate Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
- River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville: Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.
- Weaverville Tailgate Market, Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.
- West Asheville Tailgate Market, Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Farm Fresh Bucks may also be used at the following markets, though you cannot currently redeem your prescription here.
- Southside Community Farmers Market, First Sundays monthly (July date is July 17), 12-3 p.m.
All participating markets can also accept Caja Solidaria’s Produce Prescription Program. In addition, all markets accept SNAP/EBT and offer Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables.
|
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.
June 22 demonstrations will be: Compost Basics of composting Four Seasons Managing Grasses and Perennials Rose Garden Deadheading Roses Vegetable Garden Pruning Tomatoes Kids Corner Activities for Children Our gardens open at 9 a.m. and demonstration programs will run between 10 and 11 a.m. Come, walk around, and soak in our lovely gardens! Most programs are informal and continuous – exceptions are noted above. Note: almost all activities will be held outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Registration is not required. Plan to Drop in and Learn! |
|
You can also attend one of our weekly garden workday events:
Pearson Garden and Nursery Garden workdays Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Located at 408 Pearson Dr. in Montford. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Hall Fletcher Elementary School FEAST Garden Wednesdays 2:45-4:00pm, 60 Ridgelawn Rd. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Lucy Herring Elementary School Peace Garden (formerly Vance Elementary School) in West Asheville. Workdays Tuesdays 2:45-3:45. The garden will again be closed to the public from 8 AM- 2:30 pm so that classes can use the garden for outdoor learning. Please contact [email protected] for questions and to RSVP
**We give away free produce donated by Mother Earth Food every week at our Sharing Table Mondays after 3 pm
2022)—After piloting the Farm Fresh Produce Prescription in 2021, ASAP has
expanded the program this season to partner with multiple healthcare access points and local food outlets
in Buncombe and Henderson counties. The program allows healthcare providers to “prescribe” patients
fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms to help treat or prevent diet-related illness. Patients can
redeem prescriptions, totaling $20 to $60 per week, depending on household size, at nine farmers markets
or through The AVL Box, a local food delivery service. The Farm Fresh Produce Prescription is part of
ASAP’s Farm Fresh for Health initiative, which addresses the real and perceived barriers that influence
what we eat and determine health outcomes.
ASAP is currently working with MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) and Sona Pharmacy to
offer produce prescriptions. In addition, the program is available as a service of the Healthy Opportunities
Pilot with select Medicaid insurance providers. Eligible patients are those who suffer from or are at risk of
developing a diet-related condition and are either eligible for a federal supplemental nutrition program such
as SNAP or enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. Find out more about eligibility and the referral process at
asapconnections.org/prescription.
How It Works
Screening and Referral Process
Participating healthcare providers screen patients for program eligibility. Eligible patients are those who suffer from or are at risk of developing a diet-related condition AND meet one of the following criteria: 1) eligible for a federal supplemental nutrition program such as SNAP or free and reduced lunch, or 2) enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. Healthcare providers submit a referral to ASAP via the NCCARE360 UniteUs app. ASAP will follow up directly with a unique Prescription Identification Number.
ASAP is currently partnering with MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) and Sona Pharmacy to offer produce prescriptions. If you are a patient at MAHEC, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you are eligible. If you are a patient enrolled in Sona’s Medication Support Program, Sona Access, email [email protected] to find out if you are eligible.
ASAP’s Farm Fresh Produce Prescription is also available as a service of Healthy Opportunities Pilot with select Medicaid insurance providers, listed below. If you think you may be eligible for this program, call the Member Services line listed on your Medicaid card to begin the eligibility assessment and be referred to this program.
- WellCare of North Carolina – 866-799-5318
- AmeriHealth Caritas – 855-375-8811
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (Healthy Blue) – 844-594-5070
- UnitedHealthcare – 800-349-1855
Filling Your Prescription
Farm Fresh Produce Prescriptions can be redeemed weekly. The value of the prescription depends on household size.
- 1-2 members = $20/week
- 3-4 members = $40/week
- 5+ members = $60/week
Farmers Markets
Redeem your prescription at one of the participating farmers markets listed below. Present your Prescription Identification Number to the staff person at the market information booth in exchange for Farm Fresh Bucks. These are wooden tokens that you can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from any produce vendor at the market. Farm Fresh Bucks do not expire and may be used on other visits or at other markets.
- Asheville City Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
- East Asheville Tailgate Market, Fridays, 3-6 p.m.
- Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, Thursdays, 3-6 p.m.
- Hendersonville Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Mills River Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- North Asheville Tailgate Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
- River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville: Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.
- Weaverville Tailgate Market, Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.
- West Asheville Tailgate Market, Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Farm Fresh Bucks may also be used at the following markets, though you cannot currently redeem your prescription here.
- Southside Community Farmers Market, First Sundays monthly (July date is July 17), 12-3 p.m.
All participating markets can also accept Caja Solidaria’s Produce Prescription Program. In addition, all markets accept SNAP/EBT and offer Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables.
|
Farmer-to-Farmer Training
WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).
Why join CRAFT?
- Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
- Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
- Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.