This week, volunteers will be out at Triangle-area farmers’ markets to encourage attendees to donate to Farmer Foodshare, a program to provide fresh food for local residents in need.

It’s the sixth annual Farmer Foodshare Challenge, and it’s been ongoing since June 1 at farmers’ markets in Chatham, Orange, Durham and Wake Counties – a total of 17 farmers’ markets in all. The goal is to raise $5000 for the program, which provides funds to a wide variety of local hunger agencies including TABLE, PORCH, and Club Nova. Proceeds will be used to create a winter buying reserve, to enable agencies to keep providing fresh food to needy families all year long.

Farmer Foodshare executive director Gini Bell joined Aaron Keck on the WCHL Afternoon News to discuss the program.

Founded in 2009 at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, Farmer Foodshare now serves more than 20,000 people each year, with the help of local farmers, farmers’ markets, volunteers, businesses and nonprofits. To support this year’s Farmer Foodshare Challenge, visit FarmerFoodshare.org.