Mecklenburg County seniors who meet income limits can pick up $50 in free vouchers for fresh produce at farmers markets in Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville through Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The vouchers come through the N.C. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, a state program that Mecklenburg County's Senior Nutrition Program, Public Health and the Charlotte Food Policy Council are distributing locally, according to the county. Each eligible senior receives 10 individual $5 vouchers, good for fresh fruits, vegetables, raw honey and fresh-cut herbs at any certified farmers market statewide.

Who qualifies

Residents of Mecklenburg County aged 60 or older whose household income falls at or below these limits:

  • One-person household: $2,461 per month
  • Two-person household: $3,337 per month

Where to sign up

Vouchers are being distributed at three Lake Norman-area markets:

  • North Meck Community Farmers Market — 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius (behind Town Hall). Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon.
  • Davidson Farmers Market — 120 S. Main St., Davidson (next to Town Hall). Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Future voucher pickup dates have not been confirmed.
  • Huntersville Growers Market — 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville (Veterans Park). Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. Future voucher pickup dates have not been confirmed. Note: The Huntersville market's 2026 season ends Saturday, Aug. 29, well before the program's Sept. 30 deadline. Seniors who want to pick up vouchers here should plan accordingly.

For current pickup schedules, visit CharlotteFoodPolicy.com/SeniorVouchers.

Extra benefits for SNAP users

Seniors and other residents who use SNAP/EBT can double their purchases up to $50 at participating markets through the county's Double Bucks program.

SNAP recipients living in North Mecklenburg ZIP codes (28031, 28035, 28036, 28070 or 28078) can also receive four free round-trip CATS Micro rides to the Davidson, Huntersville and Cornelius markets. Riders need to complete an eligibility form, get approved by the county and enter a discount code in the CATS Pass App, according to Charlotte Area Transit System.

"When families have greater access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, everyone benefits," interim Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Kimberly Scott said in a July 5 press release announcing the county's broader farmers market nutrition initiative.

Upcoming market dates

  • North Meck Community Farmers Market (Cornelius): Wednesdays through Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to noon. Night Market on Thursday, Aug. 27, 5–7 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 30, 5–7 p.m.
  • Davidson Farmers Market: Saturdays through November, 9 a.m. to noon.
  • Huntersville Growers Market: Saturdays through Aug. 29, 8 a.m. to noon.

More information is available at Health.MeckNC.gov/FarmersMarkets.