N.C. Cooperative Extension - Carteret County Center

06/03/2026

Are you interested in learning how to preserve your summer harvest? 🍅✨ Join us for our upcoming FREE evening canning classes!

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, we've got you covered. Sign up for one or both sessions:

Water Boiling Canning Class
When: Wednesday, July 15th at 5:30 PM
Best for: Jams, jellies, pickles, and tomatoes
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990885234329?aff=oddtdtcreator

Pressure Canning Class
When: Wednesday, July 22nd at 5:30 PM
Best for: Low-acid foods like veggies, meats, and soups
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990885293506?aff=oddtdtcreator

Registration is free, but space is limited! Claim your spot today using the links above. See you there!

If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Stevenson, FCS Agent, at [email protected] or 252-222-6374

05/29/2026

We were honored to participate in the Storm Night 2026 and engage directly with the Down East community. Preparedness is a community effort, and our goal was to provide practical, actionable advice on safeguarding lawns, crops, livestock, and food safety before and after a storm hits. We appreciate everyone who visited our table, and we hope those refrigerator thermometers and handouts serve as a friendly reminder of the simple steps we can take to prepare our homes and families during storms!

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — With hurricane season officially starting June 1, local and statewide groups gathered at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum in Harkers Island to discuss flooding c…

05/20/2026

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).

05/13/2026

The More In My Basket website has many SNAP-friendly recipes available for you to try at home. Whether it is spring, summer, winter or fall, you are sure to find something delicious to help stretch your benefits. Visit morefood.org today!

05/06/2026

A summer MED Instead of Meds Series!

Are you interested in adopting a Mediterranean-style eating pattern? Join our comprehensive class series, MED Instead of Meds, which will guide you through 7 straightforward steps to incorporate the Med Way into your daily life. Discover expert tips, practical life hacks, and delicious recipes to support your Mediterranean-inspired eating habits. 🥒🫛🥑🥦🫑🥝🍏🍓🫐🍇🥗🍤🫘🫚🐟

This 6-session series will take place on Tuesdays from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Carteret County Center, starting June 9th and concluding July 14th. The registration fee is $20.
For more information and to secure your spot, please visit:

Come learn about the Med Lifestyle!

05/06/2026

Knowing how to store your food properly at home is just as important as prepping for your next shopping trip. If you use SNAP benefits for your monthly food budget, you understand the necessity of stretching your food dollars as much as possible. One of the ways to do that is by making sure you consume your food items before they expire and keeping canned items handy for emergency situations.

To start building a safe versatile pantry, we suggest you:

🧹 Clean and organize all spaces:
Whether it’s the fridge, freezer, or pantry, now is the time to clean house.

🥫Elevate and protect shelf-stable foods:
Move canned goods, grains, and other pantry staples off the floor and onto higher, stable shelves – especially if you’re in a flood-prone area.

🧃Use the FIFO method:
The First-In-First-Out method is where the oldest food items—those purchased or stored first—are used before newer items. You should always place your older items at the front and the newer ones in the back of the pantry.

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

04/30/2026

04/29/2026

Navigating SNAP benefits is all about strategy. Here are three quick tips to help you get the most out of every dollar:

Double Up Food Bucks: Many farmers markets offer programs that match your SNAP spending on fresh fruits and veggies. 🍎🥦

Shop the sales: Check your store’s weekly circular before you go. Pairing SNAP with store discounts is a total game-changer. 📉

Buy seeds and starts: A little-known SNAP rule is that you can use your benefits to buy seeds and food-producing plants. Turn your EBT into a backyard garden for a continuous supply of herbs and veggies! 🌱🍅

For more information about SNAP, reach out to the More In My Basket team. They can assist you with completing an application if you are likely eligible and can answer all of your questions. Call today toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

04/22/2026

Do you know which items are SNAP eligible and which ones aren’t? Read the list below to find out:

ELIGIBLE ITEMS:

🍎 Fresh and frozen meats and seafood.
🍍 Fresh, frozen, dried and canned produce.
🥦 Dairy items including milk, cheese, yogurt and sour cream.
🫐 Bread, rice, cereal and other grains.
🍋 Snack foods, spices and pantry staple ingredients like flour, sugar and salt.

NON-ELIGIBLE ITEMS:

❌ Beer, wine, liquor, ci******es and to***co.
❌ Not for human consumption items such as pet food, soaps, paper products or household supplies.
❌ Supplements, vitamins or medicines.
❌ Hot, already-prepared foods, such as rotisserie chicken or items from a hot-bar.

If you would like to learn more about the SNAP program in North Carolina, visit the More In My Basket website at morefood.org.

04/22/2026

Come visit our Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Stephanie Stevenson, at the Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market this Saturday! Come watch a food demo to make and try a spinach and strawberry salad, made with ingredients sourced right at the market!

🍓 FRESH + FLAVORFUL! Join us this Saturday, April 25 at the OBFM for a fresh and flavorful Libby’s Legacy demo you won’t want to miss!

Stephanie Stevenson, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Carteret County, will be whipping up a bright and beautiful spinach and strawberry salad—made with ingredients sourced right here at the market. You’ll get a live demo and a chance to taste just how delicious eating local can be.

As a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) with a Master’s in Health Education and Promotion, Stephanie is passionate about helping our community live healthier through simple, nutritious meals and local food education.

Come watch, taste, and take home a little inspiration for easy, healthy cooking with fresh finds from the OBFM!

N.C. Cooperative Extension - Carteret County Center