To the North Carolina Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund:
We, the undersigned residents, farmers, small business owners, and supporters of Cleveland County’s agricultural community, respectfully submit this petition in support of constructing a covered pavilion for the Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market.
Why This Pavilion Matters
For the past three years, the Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market has played a vital role in:
- Supporting local farms and family-owned agricultural businesses by providing reliable access to direct-to-consumer sales.
- Increasing access to healthy, locally grown food in a community where many households face financial barriers and limited fresh-food options.
- Circulating food dollars locally - strengthening small farms, food producers, and Kings Mountain’s small-business economy.
- Providing meaningful community engagement, education, and youth involvement through collaboration with community partners.
Yet, despite its impact and growing attendance, the market currently lacks a permanent, weather-protected structure. Volunteers and vendors must set up and take down tents weekly, losing valuable time that could otherwise be used for creating eye-catching product displays, serving early arriving customers, and organizing market operations for the day. Weather-related cancellations reduce farm income and limit access to fresh food for area residents.
A Permanent Covered Pavilion Will:
- Provide safe, stable, weather-protected space for vendors, shoppers, and volunteers.
- Facilitate year-round market operation, supporting consistent farm income and customer access.
- Strengthen Cleveland County’s local food system and our efforts to support local agriculture and farmland preservation.
- Complement the County’s recent $150K investment in securing a permanent site for the market, demonstrating strong local commitment and readiness.
Statement of Support
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the NC Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to approve the grant request submitted for the construction of the Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market pavilion. This project has strong local backing, demonstrated need, and clear, measurable benefits for farmers, residents, and the local food system.
Together, we support building a permanent covered pavilion to strengthen local agriculture, ensure access to healthy food, and help the Kings Mountain Hometown Farmers’ Market thrive.