Jones County commissioners recently approved a cost-share agreement between Jones County and The Filling Station to bring a dedicated family and consumer sciences agent to N.C. Cooperative Extension's Jones County Center. Previously shared with Onslow County, Sarah Ware will now serve Jones County exclusively, with The Filling Station and Jones County each covering 33% of the salary and N.C. State University covering the remaining 34%.
It is a meaningful partnership, and one that reflects exactly the kind of community-rooted collaboration The Filling Station was built on.
Part of what makes Sarah's work possible is knowing where the need is greatest. The N.C. State needs assessment linked below helps shape when and where nutrition education classes will be taught across the county. If you live or work in Jones County, your input matters.
Needs Assessment: https://go.ncsu.edu/needs-assessment-2026
To hear the story behind this partnership, go back to where it all started. The very first interview recorded in The Filling Station studio featured Mary Ann in conversation with Sarah, talking about the vision for this work long before the commissioners' vote made it official.
