N. C. Cooperative Extension - Wilson County Center

05/29/2026

Join us for a fun filled Summer! Spaces still available for most camps.

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).

05/20/2026

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!

05/13/2026

We are excited to welcome one of our 2026 Summer Interns to the office — meet Lydia Crocker!

Lydia is originally from Johnston County, NC, and is a rising sophomore at North Carolina State University studying Animal Science. She has been involved in showing livestock for many years and brings a wealth of livestock knowledge and experience with her.

This summer, Lydia will be assisting our Livestock Agent, Ms. Hailee, with youth livestock judging activities while also gaining experience working with each department within Wilson County Cooperative Extension.

We are excited to have Lydia on our team this summer. If you see Lydia around the office or out at events this summer, be sure to stop by and welcome her!

Welcome, Lydia! ☀️

05/13/2026

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.

05/11/2026

05/08/2026

Did you know that you can use your SNAP benefits at the farmers market? 🍎

Ask at your market’s welcome booth if they accept SNAP benefits. If they do, you should receive market scrip or tokens to use to purchase produce and other eligible food items.

If you have questions about the SNAP program, visit the More In My Basket website at morefood.org or call them toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

05/01/2026

Ms. Allison Matthews, 4-H Agent, was recognized last night by the Wilson Chamber of Commerce as a 4 Under 40 finalist, honoring outstanding young leaders. She makes a meaningful impact on youth across Wilson County through her dedication and leadership. Allison also expressed appreciation for her mentor, Ms. Kenyatta Dixon, for her guidance and support throughout her growth as a 4-H Agent!

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.

04/27/2026

We are excited to introduce Brooke Matusko, our new Consumer Horticulture Extension Agent at the Wilson County Center. Brooke will be providing leadership for the Wilson Botanical Gardens and the Master Gardeners. Please join us in welcoming Brooke to the team!

Brooke recently graduated from North Carolina State University with a M.S. in Horticultural Science, specializing in sustainable vegetable production and precision agriculture. Brooke grew up in Currituck County, where she began her journey with horticulture education through FFA competitions and CTE courses. She is excited to begin working in the community to provide horticulture programming for Wilson County!