LOCAL STRATEGIES FOR FOOD SUPPLY RESILIENCY

Interested in learning about new and innovative ways communities are addressing food access? In a globalized world, sometimes local solutions to do the trick. Check out the resource below. 

Free recordings from the UNC School of Government faculty in partnership with Community Food Strategies of NC and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems at NCSU to offer four lunch-and-learn "Office Hours" sessions. Each session features local practitioners using strategies to help communities deal with food insecurities and supply chain disruptions during COVID-19. A local resiliency strategy is featured in each recording, with an open period for questions from participants. Topics and featured local practitioners are:     

School Nutrition Programs (May 27) – Efforts to continue prepared food distributions during school closures for children who qualify for free and reduced price school nutrition programs.  Discussion Leaders: Maureen Berner (SOG faculty); Linden Thayer, Food Insight Group, Durham   
      
Community Gardens and Farms (June 3) - Working with local farmers to source and distribute food supplies and provide weekend family meals to supplement school nutrition programs. Discussion Leaders: Carl Vierling, Greater High Point Food Alliance; Chester Williams, “A Better Chance, A Better Community”, Halifax County; Kelly Owensby, Transplanting Traditions, Orange County.   
    
Leveraging Underutilized Infrastructure to Improve Food Access & Supply (June 10) - Using vacant buildings, open spaces, and closed restaurants with refrigerated storage to provide sites for food distribution and safe supply. Discussion Leaders: Eric Henry, TS Designs, Burlington; Heidi Norwick, Alamance United Way;  Doug Calaway, Your Local Greens, Burlington. 

Food Business Innovation in the Time of COVID-19  (June 17) - Keeping food-related businesses in business. Discussion leaders: Gabriel Cummings, Working Landscapes, Warrenton; Emily McCormick and Ron Judkins, Co-owners, “On Main Southern Eatery”, Warrenton.