Rutherford County Food Council
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 11:22 am
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Unquestionably, food's greatest power is to nourish and fuel our bodies. But perhaps its second greatest power is its ability to bring people together, whether it's over a meal or during harvest time or shopping at a market. Many major decisions have been made and conversations have been had over food. For more than 12 years, the Rutherford County Farmers Market has been a place for farmers and shoppers to gather and connect over locally grown food. Now, it is ready to grow its programming through a new facility, the Park Square Depot, in downtown Forest City.
"The Rutherford County Farmers Market is more than a market to us," says Brooklyn Murray, Market Manager, "it's a reflection of the people and farms that make this community special. Every vendor pours their heart into what they grow, raise, bake, or create. When you shop at the market, you are directly supporting local families, preserving a way of life, and helping agriculture continue for the next generation. We want the community to feel connected to their farmers, their food, and each other every time they walk through the market."
In 2026, the market averages about 233-275 visitors each week, which is a 23% increase from 2025. Events and special markets have larger traffic volume with around 400 individuals. Customers appreciate the market's welcoming and cozy small-town atmosphere and direct connection to local growers and makers. At the market, they have the opportunity to meet the farmers who grow their food and the artisans who make special goods. Vendors receive the benefits of a local customer base, building relationships with customers, and collaborating with fellow farmers and crafters. Customers and vendors alike enjoy the feeling of community.
With 17-20 vendors actively selling their items at the market, customers have a variety of goods to browse when shopping. The market promotes the usual produce, meats, eggs, and flowers that shoppers typically find at a neighborhood farmers market. Vendors also supply baked goods, honey, plants, herbal products, soap and skincare items, and handmade artisan crafts like bee houses and candles.
Construction on the new Park Square Depot is underway just two blocks down the road from the market's current location at 172 Depot Street, and is slated to be completed later this year. It will fulfill the need for a larger, permanent, and multi-functional space that can support the growing market and community needs. The new space will expand the market's capabilities and create opportunities for year-round activities. Programming will include food and agriculture education workshops, demonstrations, and trainings for residents, visitors, and farmers. Farmers and entrepreneurs will have a commercial kitchen that they can utilize to process their foods. The Park Square Depot is poised to increase the Farmers Market's ability to gather the community around multiple exciting food related activities, not just shopping!
Currently, from April to October, you can shop at the Rutherford County Farmers Market on Saturdays, 8:00am-12:30pm, and Tuesdays, 4:30pm-7:00pm at 172 Depot Street in Forest City. From November to March, the market hours will be Saturdays, 9:00am-12:30pm. Customers can use cash, card, or SNAP/EBT to purchase items at the market.
Rutherford BARN operates both the Rutherford County and Lake Lure Farmers Markets. As a non-profit organization, Rutherford BARN is dedicated to strengthening the local food system, supporting local agriculture, improving food access, and building community connections through local food and arts initiatives.
For more information visit rcfarmersmarket.com or rcfarmersmarket.com/rutherfordbarn/