Orange County Cooperative Extension

06/04/2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock and economic losses.

The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. Please use the links in comments to learn more.

The action plan includes:

Forming a unified Incident Command Team with the Texas Animal Health Commission and deploying response personnel to the area;

Establishing a 20 km infested zone around the detection and implementing quarantines, movement controls, and surveillance in this area;

Expediting targeted release of sterile NWS flies by immediately deploying ground release chambers in the area, in addition to the 4 million sterile flies per week already being released aerially in the area;

Increasing trapping for NWS flies along the border and just outside of the dispersal area;

Implementing NWS surveillance and management strategies in wildlife; and

Conducting targeted outreach in the local area.

*If you suspect a case of New World Screwworm in North Carolina

call NCDA&CS Veterinary Division at (919) 707-3250

06/04/2026

We’re so excited to be partnering with Wegmans in Chapel Hill for the third year in a row as a Fill the Bus campaign recipient! From now through June 17, you can donate $3, $5, or any amount to PORCH right at checkout. When school is out, many families lose reliable access to meals—so your support goes a long way in helping us provide fresh, nutritious food all summer long.

06/03/2026

Stretching your SNAP benefits doesn’t have to be a struggle! 🛒

With a few smart moves, you can fill your cart with healthy, delicious meals without breaking the bank. Here are 3 quick tips for your next grocery run:

🍲Go for store brands: Skip the big names and reach for the "generic" or store-brand versions. They usually have the exact same ingredients but cost way less.

🫘Buy staples in bulk: Stock up on rice, dried beans, and oats. They are filling, shelf-stable and cost much less per serving than pre-packaged meals.

📱Download Store Apps: Clip digital coupons before you go and check the weekly circulars to plan your meals around what’s on sale.

To learn more about the SNAP program, visit the morefood.org website or call the More In My Basket team toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

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¡Estirar tus beneficios de SNAP no tiene por qué ser un problema! 🛒

Con unos pocos pasos inteligentes, puedes llenar tu carrito con comidas saludables y deliciosas sin gastar una fortuna. Aquí tienes 3 consejos rápidos para tu próxima compra de alimentos:

🍲Elige marcas de tienda: Evita las grandes marcas y opta por las versiones "genéricas" o de marca de tienda. Normalmente tienen exactamente los mismos ingredientes pero cuestan mucho menos.

🫘Compra productos básicos al por mayor: comprar arroz en cantidad, frijoles secos y avena. Son saciantes, se conservan bien y cuestan mucho menos por ración que las comidas preenvasadas.

📱Descarga aplicaciones de la tienda: Recorta cupones digitales antes de ir y consulta los boletos semanales para planificar tus comidas en función de lo que hay en oferta.

Para saber más sobre el programa SNAP, visita la página web de morefood.org o llama gratis al equipo de Más En Mi Canasta al 1-855-240-1451.

OCNCGov Orange County Health Department, NC

06/01/2026

During hurricane season, power outages and flooding can threaten your food supply, your bank account, and your peace of mind. But good storage and budgeting practices can help protect everything you have as well as keep you and your family safe during an emergency. Being prepared can go a long way in supporting peace of mind.

This article from More In My Basket shares simple ways you can keep your food safer for longer and tips to help you reduce storm-related financial stress.

https://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/news/keeping-your-food-and-budget-safe-for-hurricane-season/

OCNCGov

During hurricane season, power outages and flooding can threaten your food supply, your bank account, and your peace of mind. But good storage and budgeting practices can help protect everything you…

05/29/2026

Check out the updated 2026 payment rates for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). As drought conditions continue to impact agricultural operations across the country, LFP provides financial assistance for grazing losses due to drought.

View the LFP Eligibility Dashboard to see if your county is eligible https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/3c9aef9fd4684f948e3bb2375b93cfb9

05/27/2026

Ever wondered what that EBT card is all about? 🛒✨

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is basically a government-issued debit card that delivers food and cash benefits to those who need a little extra boost. 💳

It’s primarily used for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), helping families put fresh fruits, veggies and essentials on the table. 🍎🥦 The SNAP program also supports our farmers by helping families to buy the food they need.

It works just like a regular bank card—swipe, enter your PIN and you’re good to go! It’s all about providing dignity, nutrition and support to our community members.

If you would like to see if you are eligible for SNAP, visit the More In My Basket website today (morefood.org).

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¿Te has preguntado alguna vez qué es y para qué sirve la tarjeta EBT? 🛒✨

La Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (EBT) es básicamente una tarjeta de débito emitida por el gobierno que ofrece beneficios de comida y dinero a quienes necesitan un pequeño impulso extra. 💳

Se utiliza principalmente para SNAP (Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria), ayudando a las familias a poner frutas, verduras y productos esenciales frescos sobre la mesa. 🍎🥦 El programa SNAP también apoya a nuestros agricultores ayudando a las familias a comprar los alimentos que necesitan.

Funciona igual que una tarjeta bancaria normal: desliza, introduce tu PIN y listo. Se trata de proporcionar dignidad, nutrición y apoyo a los miembros de nuestra comunidad.

Si quieres saber si eres elegible para SNAP, visita hoy mismo la web de Más En Mi Canasta (morefood.org).

OCNCGov County Health Department, NC

05/26/2026

Please join us in welcoming our NC State Extension summer intern, Amelia Lackey! Amelia is a rising senior studying Agriculture Production Systems at the University of Mount Olive.

OCNCGov

Raleigh, N.C. – NC State Extension announced that Amelia Lackey is completing an Extension internship this summer with the Orange County Center.An Extension summer intern works with Extension…

05/26/2026

Help Your Neighbors Find Food Resources in Orange County!

The Orange County Food Security Program is looking for volunteers to display yard signs promoting our local Food Resource List. If you have a yard, a community space, or a local event where you can place a sign, we need you!

🛑 Quantities are limited! We only have 100 free signs available (first-come, first-served).
📏 Size: 24"x18" (Double-sided with wire stand included).

🔗 Claim your sign here: https://forms.gle/ssTPUF5AjGcoQT3T8

How it works:

-Fill out the form link above.
-Wait for a confirmation message from our Food Security Agent or one of our summer interns.
-Pick up your sign at the Bonnie B. Davis Center (1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough) between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday.

If you use a sign and no longer need it later on, just return it to us so we can reuse it!

Questions? Call Food Security Agent Jonathon Smith at 919-245-2057.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.

Pictured: Food Resources Sign

OCNCGov

05/25/2026

Come join us in the Davis Center Demonstration Gardens on June 20. 🌼

🌿 Garden lovers, this one’s for you!

Join the NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Orange County for a Garden Open House on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Wander through our demonstration gardens, chat with Master Gardener volunteers, explore native plants and pollinators, sniff and taste herbs in the edible garden, and gather ideas to try at home.

You can visit one garden or see them all!

📍 Bonnie B. Davis Environment and Agricultural Center
1020 US-70, Hillsborough, NC
Across from the DMV

Bonus: free hot dogs while they last! 🌭

05/25/2026