TFS Mercantile, our curated online selection of artisan food items from across the American South, operates according to a very simple principle: Readers upgrade their pantries, and The Food Section gets a small cut of each sale. In other words, the digital marketplace represents a chance to support independent food journalism and independent food producers at once.
Of course, it only works if readers buy our showcased jam, salt, mustard, and cornbread mix. The wares aren’t free—unless you’re planning to be in Charlotte on Thursday, May 28.
We’re eager to broaden our TFS Mercantile inventory so prospective buyers don’t have to wonder if they’ll find popcorn or flour on our virtual shelves: They can visit the store with the same confidence they’d carry to Ingles or Piggly Wiggly.
So, we got in touch with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the force behind the state’s Got to Be NC program, and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, which administers Certified SC Grown. Both agencies kindly agreed to alert members to our call for new products. The response was roaring.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve collected samples of sauces, dry rubs, noodles, syrups, meat sticks, coffee, tea, and at least one dog treat, all submitted by makers based in the Carolinas. But in keeping with our overriding mission to make TFS readers’ meals more meaningful, we’re committed to only stocking our store with the highest caliber goods.
That means it’s time to sample and score these entries, and we could use your help.
On Thursday, May 28, we’re setting up a testing facility (read: a table or two) at NoDa Brewing Co., located close to where the Carolinas meet. Like all small businesses featured in TFS Mercantile, NoDa is both renowned for the quality of its products and philosophically aligned with The Food Section. The pioneering brewery’s corporate values, or “focus pillars,” entail promoting well-being, fostering inclusive spaces, protecting the environment, and strengthening community ties.
Plus, co-owner Suzie Ford is a huge fan of local food.
So, let’s see if we can’t find the best of it. This 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. evaluation event is completely free, so long as you’re a paying subscriber.
But we’d love to know who’s planning to join us. We need to make sure we bring enough tasting toothpicks, after all.
As always, thank you for your support. Hope to see you (or your Charlotte area friends) soon.
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