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By Jocelyn Torres, for the SNAP

Sprouting Acres Farm officially opened its storefront on March 1, offering a wide range of goods including meats, fruits, vegetables, desserts, jams, jellies and other locally sourced items.
The farm is owned and operated by Isaiah Lilly, a lifelong Oakboro resident who first found his passion for farming as a teenager.
“When I was about 13, I asked my dad how I could make money,” Lilly said. “He recommended farming, but he told me it would be hard work — and once you start, you can’t stop in the middle of it. You’ve got to keep going.”
That advice stuck with him. After his first experience selling with his father, Butch Lilly, at the Oakboro farmers market, Isaiah was hooked. Over the years, he continued expanding his reach, later joining the Locust and Mint Hill farmers markets.

This year, with the opening of the store, Sprouting Acres will focus its efforts locally.
A 2021 graduate of West Stanly High School, Isaiah credits his former agriculture teacher, Natalee Rogers, as a key mentor in his journey.
“She helped me get started, recommended college classes I could take early, and really pushed me to grow,” he said.
Since graduating, Isaiah has devoted more time to the farm, increasing his variety of produce and building partnerships with other local businesses.
“We’ve brought in products from Pasta Provisions in Charlotte and several others,” Isaiah shared. “Anything we don’t grow ourselves, we try to source from other local producers.”
Among Sprouting Acres best sellers are fresh produce, frozen pies and ready-made meals.
With more customers seeking organic and locally grown food, Isaiah says the demand has definitely grown.
“People are getting tired of the extra, added ingredients that really shouldn’t be in food,” he said. “At a store like this, you can get raw, more organic, naturally grown products that are better for your health and the environment.”
Looking ahead, the farm will host an event on Saturday called “Tails, Tunes, and Morning Brews.” The family-friendly celebration will feature a petting zoo, photo ops with farm animals, live music and drinks from Cascade Creek Coffee.
The shop will also be open for customers to explore and shop local goods.
Isaiah’s mission is bigger than just farming.
“I want to bring everybody together — farms, businesses, vendors that are local in the area — and create one centralized location for the community,” he said.
As Sprouting Acres grows, so does its promise to offer fresh, healthy food and a place for people to come together.
For store hours, updates, and new products, visit Sprouting Acres Farm on Facebook.

Jocelyn Torres is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.