Beginning in May, students will enjoy local produce in the dining halls thanks to a partnership with Bender Farms in Warren County.
The relationship will provide fresh broccoli and cauliflower this spring, with corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, melon and more becoming available in the summer and fall.
Scott Myers, director of food and vending for Carolina Dining Services, said this partnership has been in the works for years.
He said CDS wants to increase the amount of produce purchased from within 150 miles and develop a relationship with farmers so students know where their food is coming from.
Warren County could also benefit from an economic boost, said owner of Bender Farms, Jeff Bender.
Many of the tobacco farms in the county have suffered economically and now hope to expand to produce, Bender said.
But most small farms, like those in Warren, can’t grow enough volume to sell to big institutions like grocery stores.
“Carolina Dining, to their credit, is interested in dealing with a small business,” Bender said.
Bender Farms is currently the only farm in the area working with UNC, Myers said.