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 chickens, honey bees, and large plots and high tunnels 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:
**updated 2/18/2025**
Where is the farmers’ market located?
The farmers' market takes place at Catawba Nation’s Food Distribution Center (971 Avenue of the Nations, Rock Hill, SC 29730).
When is the farmers’ market open?
The farmers’ market is open on the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 AM to 1 PM. Citizens aged 55 and older, or someone from their household, may attend on Friday (the day before the general market) from 1 PM to 5 PM. Markets may occasionally be rescheduled due to events such as General Council meetings. For the latest market schedule, please visit the Farm and Market Facebook Page.
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.
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.
Do I need to bring anything with me to the farmers’ market?
We encourage you to bring reusable bags to carry out your groceries. We also accept donations of clean, intact plastic shopping bags or egg cartons for us to reuse!
How is this program possible?
The farmers’ market is made possible through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Plus program. To learn more about the LFPA program,CLICK HERE
How long will the market (and funding for the program) last?
Our grant from USDA provides enough funding to purchase food for the market until December 2026. Funding for staff is not included in the grant, and our staff are currently funded until June 2025.
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.
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, Allison Knight, at (Courtney.Knight@catawba.com) or dropped off at the front desk of the Longhouse. If dropped off, please let the receptionist know that the documents are for Allison Knight.
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, non-tribal members of your household may attend the market for your household.
Can I designate someone outside my household to attend the market on my behalf?
Yes, you may designate someone else to shop for your household. We will need permission from you beforehand, either in person or in writing.
How are household allowances calculated?
Everyone within a household will receive 60 points per month to spend. For example, a household of four would receive 240 points 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 FarmersMarket@catawba.com to adjust your household’s monthly allowance.
When do I need to use my household’s monthly allowance?
You will need to utilize your allowance by the end of each month. You can spend your points all in one week or split them over both markets; however, the allowance will reset at the beginning of the next month. Unused allowances will not roll over month to month.
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. We receive our list of homebound seniors from the Senior Center. 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 someone who can pick up food on your behalf. If they are not a member of your household, we will need permission from you (either in person or via email) to add them as a proxy on your account.
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, Allison Knight (Courtney.Knight@catawba.com) 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, Allison Knight Allison Knight (Courtney.Knight@catawba.com), 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.