Rebuilding Broken Places CDC (RBPCDC) has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support its Farm to Table Sustainable Food Collaborative that will promote sustainable agriculture and foster community food security.
The Farm to Table Sustainable Food Collaborative will create space for small-scale local farmers, gardeners, and food-related business owners to connect, especially those in under-served communities.
The Collab will provide technical assistance, education, and resources on sustainable practices, product development, packaging, branding, and assistance in developing market strategies.
Through access to NRCS state staff, leveraging local partnerships and other available resources, the Farm to Table Sustainable Food Collaborative will offer Collab sessions, workshops, career fairs, farmer’s markets, garden events for adults and children, and entrepreneur expos, all designed to address food sustainability and food access challenges in underserved Wayne County communities.
The Farm to Table Sustainable Food Collaborative will host a Meet and Greet on Apr. 3rd at 10 am at Greenleaf Vision of Faith Community Center, 2105 North William Street.
Local small farmers, with a special invitation extended to African American, Latino, and female-owned farms, and food-related business owners, are encouraged to attend this important session.
Jeb Minarik, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Manager from NC NRCS, will provide valuable insights into available resources for small farmers and what to expect in the coming year.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the USDA, which will allow us to support small-scale farmers, gardeners, and food-related business owners while promoting sustainable agriculture practices,” said John Barnes, C.E.O. RBPCDC. “This funding will help establish a resilient and equitable food system that benefits the small farms, consumers, and the environment.”
The Farm to Table Sustainable Food Collaborative works with local farmers, community organizations, and stakeholders to strengthen the local food economy and increase access to fresh, healthy food for all residents.
Cheryl Alston, from Little Washington Growing Group, a small, female-led farm in Goldsboro, will spearhead this collaborative endeavor.
“We are committed to supporting our local small farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices that protect our natural resources while supporting the health and well-being of our community,” said Christina Slocum-Kornegay, Project Director of the collaborative. In addition, we want to support food-related business owners by linking them with the resources they need to grow their businesses and thrive.”
Additionally, RBPCDC is proud to announce partnerships for this endeavor with Wayne Community College, Community Success Initiative, Down East Coal Ash Environmental and Social Justice Coalition, and North Carolina Food Systems Advocacy Coalition.
Together, with local farmers, food-related business owners, community partners, and stakeholders, we aim to create a healthier, more resilient food system for all.
For more information about the Farm to Table Sustainable Food Collaborative and its initiatives, please visit rbpcdc.org/Farm-to-Table-Sustainable-Food-Collaborative or contact Christina Slocomb-Kornegay, [email protected] or call (919) 581-9178, x104.
