Dawn Snead serves as the Market Manager for the Barnwell Farmers Market, where she leads efforts to expand access to fresh, locally grown food while creating a vibrant, community-centered marketplace. Since stepping into the role in 2023, Dawn has helped grow the market into a hub for local agriculture, family-friendly events, and nutrition education programs that serve residents across Barnwell County.

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Dawn comes from a family with deep agricultural roots, including ties to Coburg Dairy and Planters Three Produce Farm. Her early experiences working on the farm instilled a lifelong appreciation for local food systems, hard work, and the importance of connecting people to the land and their food.

In addition to managing the market, Dawn is actively involved in community initiatives that support food access and education. She co-leads programming with the Veggie Cupboard Community Garden, where she helps develop hands-on youth education experiences, and is a core member of the Barnwell County HEALing Partners Coalition. Through these roles, she works collaboratively with local organizations to address food insecurity, promote healthy eating, and strengthen the local food system.

Under Dawn’s leadership, the Barnwell Farmers Market has introduced programs such as SNAP/EBT access, Healthy Bucks incentives, youth-focused activities, nutrition workshops, as well as signature family engagement events. She continues to focus on building partnerships, supporting local farmers and food entrepreneurs, and creating meaningful experiences that make the market a welcoming space for all.