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Youth focus Youth focus
Health disparities focus Health disparities focus 
Farmer focus Farmer focus 
Local food economy focus Local food economy focus 

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Sustainable Local Food Systems

Public interest in sustainable local agriculture is growing, and it can be seen in the development of new farmers' markets, local food policy councils, comprehensive county- and region-based food initiatives, farm incubator programs, farm and garden youth education programs, health and nutrition projects focused on local sustainable foods, procurement initiatives by large retail and institutional buyers and schools, and much more. Benefits of a sustainable local food economy in North Carolina include

  • economic development,
  • job creation within farming and food sectors,
  • preservation of open space,
  • decreased use of fossil fuel and associated carbon emissions,
  • preservation and protection of the natural environment,
  • increased consumer access to fresh and nutritious foods,
  • and greater food security for all North Carolinians.

Did You Know?

If every North Carolinian dedicated just 10 percent
of their food purchases to local foods,
it would add up to $3.5 billion
for the state economy!

Community-Based Food Systems

CEFS supports a number of Community-Based Food Systems (CBFS) initiatives that fall into three main categories: Incubated Projects, Communication and Partnerships. Please visit the links below to learn more about our specific initiatives within those areas. (External links open in new windows.)

Project Incubation

CEFS provides seed funding and support for new projects and businesses.

NC Choices Local food economy focus Farmer-focused

A producer networking and marketing assistance project for pasture-based livestock producers (www.ncchoices.com).
Coordinator: Casey McKissick

> Farmhand Foods, LLC

A business development project geared toward scaling the supply of local, pasture-raised meats. Please read the Farmhand Foods FAQs and visit the Farmhand Foods website (www.farmhandfoods.com) to learn more.
Coordinators: Tina Prevatte and Jennifer Curtis

WFI: Wayne Food Initiative Youth-focused Health disparities-focused Farmer-focused Local food economy focus

A community-based food initiative in Wayne County (www.waynefoods.org).
Coordinator: Tes Thraves

RTI-CSA Local food economy focus

A workplace-supported agriculture initiative at Research Triangle Institute (www.rti.org/csa).
Coordinator: Nancy Creamer

 

Outreach and Education

CEFS facilitates policy development, networking and consumer education.

Farm to Fork Statewide Initiative

A yearlong exploration of action opportunities for building a local, sustainable food system (www.cefs.ncsu.edu/cefsfarmtofork/home.html) with stakeholders across the state.
Coordinator: Nancy Creamer

> State Action Guide (.pdf; opens in new window)

A report synthesizing conversations and outcomes of the Farm to Fork process with recommendations for statewide and local action.
Coordinator: Jennifer Curtis

NC 10% Campaign

A public education initiative to encourage all North Carolinians to dedicate 10% of their existing food dollars to locally-grown and produced foods.
Campaign Manager: Teisha Wymore

N.C. Food System Directory

A searchable, online directory of N.C. food system work, including individuals and organizations (www.ncfoodnet.com).
Coordinator: Tes Thraves

SARE PDP Community-Based Food Systems Training

Six new local food projects now well underway in counties across the state after the first year of training. First-year project teams are currently training second-year project teams on building local food systems. Coordinator: Joanna Lelekacs

Sustainable Local Foods Advisory Council

A new statewide legislated body tasked to facilitate the development of a sustainable local food economy in North Carolina. Ratified bill at http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/Senate/PDF/S1067v4.pdf.
Coordinator: Nancy Creamer

Bringing New Farmers to the Table

The Bringing New Farmers to the Table project makes support for beginning farmers an integral part of CEFS' 10% Campaign, an initiative that invites consumers, businesses, institutions, and agencies to commit 10 percent of their food dollars to local foods. Coordinator: Joanna Lelekacs

 

Partnerships

CEFS partners with organizations to foster new and enhance existing food system projects.

Orange County Extension & Economic Development: Breeze Farm Farmer-focused

Includes the development of an incubator farm for new, aspiring producers, including a winter course in farm management and production practices (www.orangecountyfarms.org/PLANTatBreeze.asp).
Coordinator: Nancy Creamer

RAFI: Come to the Table Health disparities-focused

Supporting the Rural Advancement Fund International (RAFI) in its efforts to increase access to good meat and produce through faith communities (www.cometothetablenc.org).
Coordinator: Jennifer Curtis

HPDP: Quick Chef Health disparities-focused

Supporting the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in its efforts to offer local food, nutrition information and cooking access to underserved communities.
Coordinator: Nancy Creamer

4-H Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum Youth-focused

Supporting North Carolina 4-H in its commitment to create a sustainable agriculture and local food curriculum.
Coordinator: Tes Thraves