
Food Policy Councils
Food councils are actively supporting local government in policy- and systems-level work to structure local and regional economies around an overarching vision of a just, healthy, and sustainable food system.
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Though food councils have existed since the 1980s, recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in their numbers. The Orange County Board of Commissioners defunded the Food Council in Orange County in December 2022. More than 35 food councils now exist across North Carolina, covering 40 of the 100 counties. These food councils are mostly organized by county, and some are more regional. To find a NC local Food Council near you, CLICK HERE.
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To learn more, contact Bill Kearney at bill_kearney@unc.edu or Molly DeMarco at molly_demarco@unc.edu.
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Orange County Food Council
In 2021, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners requested a more data-informed policy to address food insecurity in the area, leading to a collaborative report between the FFORC team and the Orange County Food Council. The report involved consulting with community experts, those with lived experience of food insecurity, and it provides policy recommendations such as improved language translation services, more options for food delivery, and deeper economic investments to end hunger in the local community. The Orange County Community Food Access Assessment was completed in September 2022 and presented to the Board of County Commissioners.
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Unfortunately, after presenting the report, The Orange County Board of Commissioners defunded the Food Council in Orange County in December 2022.
Warren County Food Council
The Warren County Food Policy Council partners with local organizations to advocate for environmental and agricultural improvements and opportunities. In 2024, FFORC, the Warren County Food Policy Council, and the Warren County Farmers Market partnered to support to support the expansion of programs offered at the Market, including the implementation of the Double Bucks program!
