Black Snake Farm
Black Snake Farm is a 22 acre farm that came about during the COVID-19 pandemic. The farm is working to grow healthy and fresh food that can go into tribal households throughout the year. Currently, the farm has cows, chickens, honey bees, and large plots for growing produce. We hope that in the future, this farm can feed Catawba families and serve as a source for easily accessible food.
Farmers' Market FAQs
Catawba Nation’s Division of Natural Resources is excited to announce a weekly farmers’ market for tribal households. Below are some frequently asked questions about the program:
**Questions added 6/1/2023**
What can I expect when I go to the farmers’ market?
You can expect a welcoming grocery-store-like atmosphere. The food in the market is free and may run out based on demand. We ask for your patience and understanding as we train staff, run into hiccups, and possibly long lines. Ultimately, we want to provide food to as many tribal households as possible but are limited in our capacity to do so.
How is this program possible?
The farmers’ market is made possible through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program. Catawba Nation is a sub-awardee of South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s cooperative agreement with USDA. To learn more about the LFPA program, CLICK HERE.
How long will the market (and funding for the program) last?
Our contract with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is set to end on June 30, 2024. By that date, we will have provided $900,000 of food to tribal households. The Division of Natural Resources has applied with the USDA to extend the length of time and increase the total funding for this program. We do not yet know the status of the application.
Who can participate in this program?
ALL tribal households can participate in this program. The only limiting factor is a household’s ability to come to the farmers’ market as we do not offer shipping or delivery at this time.
How do I apply for the program?
You can access the application HERE. Applications and supporting documents can be emailed to the Farmers’ Market Program Manager, Katie Lambiasi, at [email protected] or dropped off at the front desk of the Longhouse. If dropped off, please let the receptionist know that the documents are for Katie Lambiasi.
Can I bring an application to the farmers’ market and receive food that same day?
No, we will need to verify the members of your household prior to allocating your household’s monthly allowance. Please apply prior to attending the market and allow for processing of that application.
Can a non-tribal member of my household attend the market on my behalf?
Yes, you may designate non-tribal members of your household to attend the market.
Where is the farmers’ market located?
The farmers' market will take place at Catawba Nation’s Food Distribution Center (971 Avenue of the Nations, Rock Hill, SC 29730).
When will the farmers’ market be open?
The farmers’ market will be open on Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. For the first hour of the market (9 AM to 10 AM), we will reserve this time for seniors (age 55 and older). From 10 AM to 3 PM (or until food runs out), all are welcome to come to the farmers’ market.
What sort of food could I expect to find at the farmers’ market?
Locally grown and raised foods. This will include but is not limited to fresh produce, meat, dairy, and minimally processed, value-added products from farms within the Carolinas. Some of the food will be from Catawba Nation’s Black Snake Farm.
How are household allowances calculated?
Everyone within a household will receive 60 Catawba Cash per month. For example, a household of four would receive 240 Catawba Cash per month to exchange for food at the farmers’ market. On the farmers’ market application, we ask for tribal enrollment numbers and proof of residency for non-tribal household members to determine a household’s monthly allowance. If your household size changes after you have applied, please contact our Farmers’ Market Program Manager, Katie Lambiasi ([email protected]) to adjust your household’s monthly allowance.
When do I need to use my household’s monthly allowance by?
You will need to utilize your allowance by the end of each month. You can exchange your Catawba Cash for food all in one week or over several weeks; however, the allowance will reset at the beginning of the next month. Unutilized allowances will not roll over month to month.
Do I need to bring anything with me to the farmers’ market?
You will need to bring a state-issued ID with the address on file for your household. This will allow staff to track household spending. You will not be able to get food from the market without a form of ID with your name and address. We also encourage you to bring reusable bags as well as washed reusable jars/containers you obtain from the farmers’ market. Those who utilize their own bags will receive an additional 5 Catawba Cash in allowance for their household.
What if I am unable to leave my home to get food from the farmers’ market?
Currently, we are only offering deliveries through our partner, The Country Carrot, to our homebound seniors. If you are not a homebound senior and are unable to leave your home, we suggest designating a household member who can pick up food on your behalf.
What if I work on Saturdays and am unable to attend the farmers’ market?
You may designate a household member who can pick up food on your behalf.
Can I purchase additional food at the farmers' market with my own money?
No, the food we purchase through this grant is unable to be resold. If you like items at the farmers’ market, please check out our partners’ websites: The Country Carrot and Freshlist
Can I attend the market if my household has a homebound senior that is receiving deliveries from The Country Carrot?
No, you may not receive food through both the farmers’ market and the delivery service to homebound seniors. The allowances through the delivery service to the homebound seniors is for the entire household. Please work with our Farmers’ Market Program Manager, Katie Lambiasi ([email protected]) on weekly ordering of your food box or cancel that service if you would prefer to shop the Saturday farmers’ market for your household.
I am a farmer/gardener. Can I sell my goods to the farmers’ market?
Yes, you can, and we encourage it! Please contact our Farmers’ Market Program Manager, Katie Lambiasi([email protected]), to begin the process of being set up as a vendor with Catawba Nation.
I am a rude customer. Can I be rude to the staff at the farmers’ market?
No, you may not be rude to our staff. This is a FREE program for our citizens. If you treat farmers’ market staff members with disrespect, you will be asked to leave and may be prevented from attending future market days. If you have a complaint, please contact our Farmers’ Market Program Manager, Katie Lambiasi ([email protected]).
Is this what the FDC is going to look like forever?
No, the FDC will house the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) program which will provide healthy foods throughout the month to households. This farmers’ market program is being hosted by the Division of Natural Resources, but we are happy to collaborate with the FDPIR program to make the FDC a one-stop shop for tribal households. For questions about the FDPIR program, please contact the FDPIR Certifier, Linda Harris ([email protected]).