CFT Market: Opening Phase One and Creating a Hub for Fresh, Local Food
We’re excited to announce that Phase One of the CFT Market is now officially operational! Located in west Charlotte, this market is more than just a place to cook and store food—it’s a community hub designed to make fresh, local produce accessible to all. At Carolina Farm Trust, we believe that food is more than sustenance; it’s a gateway to community empowerment and sustainable change.
What is CFT Market?
The CFT Market is the physical extension of our mission to rebuild food systems from the ground up. In west Charlotte, where food insecurity has long been a challenge, this market offers a solution rooted in relationships, not transactions. By stocking our coolers with produce from local farmers and providing a space where neighbors can connect at our weekly pop-up farm stands, we are creating a sustainable model that works for everyone.
Phase One Activation Day: A Huge Milestone
Our recent activation day event, on October 2nd, was a testament to the community spirit that drives CFT Market. The event celebrated the opening of Phase One, which includes a commercial kitchen along with coolers and storage space needed to execute wholesale operations for larger clients.We were overwhelmed by the support from community members and volunteers who came together to mark this important milestone.
Throughout the day, visitors got a chance to meet key staff, check out our food truck, CFT Bistro, indulge in hors d’oeuvres crafted by our culinary team, and engage in discussions about the importance of regionally-grown food. Congresswoman Alma Adams spoke in support of CFT Market and the strides Carolina Farm Trust is making in the Charlotte community.
“Carolina Farm Trust is doing the work to ensure that food service is available for thousands of people in our community.” – Congresswoman Alma Adams
What’s Next for CFT Market?
While Phase One is officially open, this is just the beginning. Carolina Farm Trust is on a capital campaign to fund future phases of the market, which will expand our offerings, create valuable connections between farmers and consumers, and continue to foster a community that prioritizes food justice and sustainability – including a physical market for west Charlotte residents to purchase fresh, regionally-grown produce.
Our next phase of CFT Market includes a Teaching Kitchen, Retail Market, Community Event Space, and Meat Processing Facility.
Our long-term vision is to make the CFT Market a central hub where residents not only buy food but also learn how to grow it, cook it, and share it. We’re also working to create programs that support the next generation of farmers and food activists in west Charlotte.
Why It Matters
CFT Market is about more than just providing access to fresh food—it’s about restoring dignity to communities that have been historically marginalized by our current food system. Every purchase or catering order made here directly supports local farmers, ensuring that food dollars stay in the community and fuel a healthier, more sustainable future.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended our activation day and helped bring Phase One to life. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient food system, one that prioritizes people over profit and relationships over transactions.
