Our Vision:

We envision a vibrant local food system in Greater Davidson County where farmers thrive and the community is nourished by abundant, reliable access to locally grown and locally made food.

Healthy Farmers = Healthy People = Healthy Community

Our Mission:

Our mission is to strengthen access to affordable, locally grown food by connecting farmers and community partners to build a healthy regional food system.

Our Goals:

1. Affordability and Accessibility: DCLFN is committed to ensuring that local food is affordable and accessible to all community members. We believe that everyone should have access to fresh, locally sourced products, fostering a healthier and more sustainable community.

2. Responsible and Sustainable Agriculture: We strive to encourage responsible and sustainable agricultural practices, fostering a robust farming community. By promoting climate resilience and environmentally-friendly farming methods, we aim to ensure the long-term health and resilience of our local food system.

3. Support for Farmers: DCLFN is dedicated to facilitating support for beginner farmers and expanding existing farms to increase the supply of farm-fresh products. We aim to create a thriving environment for farmers, fostering growth and sustainability in the local agricultural sector.

4. Education and Awareness: Our mission includes educating and increasing awareness of local foods, thereby boosting consumer demand in Davidson County and the greater Triad region. By providing information and promoting the benefits of locally sourced products, we aim to create a knowledgeable and engaged consumer base.

5. Community Engagement: DCLFN seeks to engage local government, institutional, and grassroots leaders to support our network and contribute to the growth of Davidson County's local food economy. Collaboration with diverse stakeholders is essential to building a strong foundation for a sustainable and inclusive local food system.

6. Health Improvement: At the core of our mission is the commitment to improving the health of the community through enhanced access to locally grown food. We believe that a robust local food system contributes to better nutrition, overall well-being, and a healthier community.

At the Davidson County Local Food Network (DCLFN), we are proud to also support local farmers markets.

Lexington Farmers Market
The Lexington Farmers Market creates a welcoming community gathering space where shoppers can buy locally grown, raised, and crafted goods from farmers and makers in Davidson County and nearby regions. They prioritize fresh produce, artisan foods, hand‑made crafts, and local products — all sold directly by the people who make and grow them.

SNAP & Food Access:
The market accepts SNAP‑EBT, and thanks to programs like Double Your Dollars (matching SNAP benefits), shoppers can make their nutrition assistance go farther on local food.

Market Schedule — 2026:

• Winter Market: Dates TBD for 2026 (previous winter markets ran through January–April) — check the market site for updates.

• Summer Market: Saturdays May 4–October 12, 2026, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Address: The Depot, 129 S. Railroad St., Lexington.

<<< More Info & Details >>>

Thomasville Farmers Market
Established in 2006, the Thomasville Farmers Market is a producers‑only market where local farmers and makers sell fresh, high‑quality food and products directly to the community. This market supports food access, entrepreneurship, downtown vibrancy, and multigenerational community connection through local food and activities.

SNAP & Community Programs:
The market accepts SNAP‑EBT and runs fun, educational initiatives like Eat the Rainbow for Kids, offering vouchers, kids’ activities, and a playful passport to explore seasonal produce.

Market Schedule — 2026:

• Weekly Market: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, May 2 – September 19, 2026, at Thomasville Farmers Market, 21 E. Guilford St., Thomasville.

<<< More Info & Details >>>

Community & Home Vegetable Gardens Workgroup

The Davidson County Local Food Network supports community and home vegetable gardens as a way to improve local food access, teach gardening skills, and raise awareness about where food comes from.

Current Community Gardens:

• Thomasville and Lexington Parks & Recreation host small youth-focused gardens.

• Additional gardens are run by local churches and community organizations.

Our Goals:

• Expand community gardens across Davidson County

• Provide educational programming and skills-based workshops

• Encourage residents to grow vegetables at home—whether in yards or container gardens

Get Involved:
The Community Garden Workgroup meets monthly to share ideas, develop strategies, and create instructional content. Email us to join and help grow local food knowledge and opportunities.

FOOD SYSTEM DATA ASSET COLLECTION

The Davidson County Local Food Network collects and analyzes key data on our local food system to better understand current assets and measure growth.

We track and assess:

• Farmers market traffic and sales

• Farm Tour attendance

• Farms selling direct to consumers and their types

• Community gardens

• Commercial kitchens

• Food pantries and their locations

• Restaurants and retailers sourcing or selling local produce

Purpose:
This information allows us to identify gaps, set measurable goals, and track progress in building a stronger, more resilient local food system in Davidson County.