Piedmont Food Processing Center - PFPC

08/27/2026

Big congratulations to Quandry Lake Mushroom!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Quandary Lake Mushrooms, a PFPC producer, for taking 1st Place in the Plant-Based Food Category at the NC Specialty Food Association’s Annual Taste Awards!

This is such a well-deserved recognition of the creativity, quality, and deliciousness they’re bringing to North Carolina’s specialty food scene. We’re proud to have Quandry Lake Mushroom as part of the PFPC community and can’t wait to see what they grow next!

Help us give them a big CONGRATULATIONS!

07/27/2026

Fresh out of the oven, Habey's HEELS are in full production! These iconic foot-shaped cookies are handcrafted with care and are just one example of the incredible products being made by local food entrepreneurs at PFPC.

From concept to commercial production, we're proud to support businesses like Habey's Kitchen as they grow and bring unique products to market.

Ready to treat yourself? Order your own Habey's HEELS at habeyskitchen.com.

Every batch tells a story—and we're honored to be part of the journey.

07/17/2026

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh produce and cause a foodborne illness called **cyclosporiasis**. Because it isn't killed by simply rinsing fruits and vegetables with water, prevention starts with good agricultural practices and safe food handling throughout the supply chain.

**Symptoms may include:**
• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Symptoms typically begin about **1 week after exposure** and can last for several weeks if left untreated.

**Foods most commonly linked to Cyclospora outbreaks:**
• Fresh cilantro
• Basil
• Bagged salads and leafy greens
• Raspberries
• Snow peas and other fresh produce

**What food businesses can do:**
Purchase produce from reputable, approved suppliers.
Follow strict employee handwashing practices.
Prevent cross-contamination during preparation.
Wash produce thoroughly—even though washing won't eliminate Cyclospora, it can help reduce other contaminants.
Train staff on proper food safety procedures and illness reporting.

At Piedmont Food Processing Center, food safety isn't just about passing inspections—it's about protecting your customers and your business.

07/16/2026

Behind every 100 is a small business chasing a dream.

This board represents entrepreneurs who are building food businesses from the ground up—and doing it with an unwavering commitment to food safety.

Seeing client after client obtain perfect sanitation scores reminds us that success isn't just measured in great products. It's measured in the standards our clients uphold every day.

Congratulations to all of our PFPC clients who have earned a 100 sanitation grade! We couldn't be more proud.

07/08/2026

A little late posting this, but it's too good not to share!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent PFPC Client Social at Eno River Brewing! It was a wonderful afternoon filled with great conversations, new connections, and plenty of laughter as so many of our incredible PFPC food entrepreneurs took a well-deserved break to spend time together outside the kitchen.

We were especially grateful to have two PFPC Board members join us, including Commissioner Sally Greene and Board Vice-Chair Linden Thayer. It was also a real treat to welcome back our previous Executive Director, Eric Hallman, who helped celebrate alongside our amazing client community.

One of the best parts of Piedmont Food Processing Center is the community we've built together. Watching producers connect, share experiences, and support one another reminds us why we do what we do.

Since I'm a bit behind on posting, I'm making up for lost time by sharing several photos from the afternoon. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed spending time with all of you!

Thank you to everyone who came—we're already looking forward to the next one!

06/22/2026

Commissioner Bedford previously served as the Orange County representative on the PFPC Board, and we are grateful for the time, insight, and commitment she brought to our organization during her service. Her support of our work and the broader community will be remembered.

Please keep her family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time.

https://chapelboro.com/news/obituaries/sitting-orange-county-commissioner-jamezetta-bedford-dies-at-67?fbclid=IwY2xjawSmCA9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEedvhdNlUE0KRoXGtPWq6flE4N5ydov3s9mPHRi1Yu4BY_MHFWShAPPnNwqI4_aem_215FbZucESm4cg40YfXk_Q

06/12/2026

Some days remind us exactly why we do what we do.

Today, one of our clients stopped by to share some exciting news—she is opening her own bakery!

She arrived at Piedmont Food Processing Center as a talented home baker who had recently come to the United States from her home country. Over the years, we've had the privilege of watching her develop her recipes, grow her business, and build confidence in herself as an entrepreneur.

As if her news wasn't enough to make our day, she surprised us with a beautiful dozen roses and shared how much our support had meant to her along the way. Needless to say, there were a few happy tears.

Moments like these are why PFPC exists. We believe in creating opportunities, removing barriers, and helping food entrepreneurs turn dreams into thriving businesses.

Seeing our clients succeed—and eventually spread their wings—is one of the greatest rewards imaginable.

Congratulations on this incredible milestone! We can't wait to visit your bakery and cheer you on in this next chapter.

https://sweet-boutique-us.square.site/

03/03/2026

We had such a great time welcoming the Farm School participants to Piedmont Food Processing Center (PFPC) this week!

There’s nothing better than a building full of curious farmers asking smart questions about value-added products, shared kitchen space, and what it really takes to bring an idea from the field to the shelf.

At PFPC, we see every day how important farming is to our local economy and our community. Farmers don’t just grow food — they steward land, fuel small businesses, preserve traditions, and feed all of us. When they explore value-added products, they’re creating new revenue streams that help keep farms strong and sustainable for the long haul.

We’re grateful to play even a small role in that journey. Thanks to the Farm School crew for spending time with us — we’re cheering you on as you grow what’s next!

02/26/2026

We’re thrilled to see Snap Pea — a culinary gem and client of Piedmont Food Processing Center’s commercial kitchen — featured in Garden & Gun as one of the Triangle’s most exciting pop-up dinner experiences. In the article, Chef Jacob Boehm’s wildly creative, locally rooted multi-course dinners are celebrated for their secret locations, storytelling menus, and deep commitment to local farms (over 90% of ingredients come from across our region!) — no wonder tickets sell out in seconds! Read the full story and get inspired: “Jacob Boehm’s Daring Pop-Up Dinners Are the Triangle’s Hottest Ticket” – Garden & Gun

Dinner on—or rather, in—the river, anyone? Plus, the chef shares how to throw your own affairs to remember.

01/15/2026

Congratulations to our 2024 - 2025 Orange County Business Investment Grant and Agriculture Grant winners. We’re thrilled to recognize and celebrate our producers: Coco Fro, GeoD Foods, Hummus Y’all, Rose Produce, Starfish Bakery, and Urja Bar. Your passion, creativity, and impact make our community stronger every day.