NC Sustainable Food policy Council

The North Carolina Local Food Council (NCLFC) serves as a collaborative network uniting state and regional food system leaders from various sectors. Its mission is to provide education, research, and resources to support healthy, diverse, equitable, and resilient local food systems across North Carolina. The council facilitates interaction among members to coordinate programs and guidance, fosters communication between local councils and the statewide body, and promotes both formal and informal education on statewide food, agriculture, and fisheries issues.

Established to build upon the efforts of the previously legislated Sustainable Local Foods Advisory Council, the NCLFC comprises members from statewide organizations and agencies. These members convene monthly to connect, collaborate, and share updates, ensuring a cohesive approach to advancing local food systems. The council also collaborates closely with Community Food Strategies, which provides on-the-ground resources, communications, and support for the network of local food councils throughout the state.

Through its initiatives, the NCLFC aims to create and disseminate research-based resources that facilitate local food system development at both community and state levels. By fostering partnerships and leveraging the expertise of its diverse membership, the council strives to enhance the economic vitality of farms and fisheries, ensure access to culturally appropriate foods, and promote the health and well-being of all North Carolinians.

Summary sourced from: https://nclocalfoodcouncil.org

Bill Text: https://www.ncleg.net/sessions/2001/bills/senate/html/s166v4.html

Policy Analysis

Does the policy solution re-distribute power from mainstream institutions to impacted Black communities?

The NCLFC’s collaborative approach includes representation from various organizations, some of which focus on marginalized communities. However, to effectively redistribute power, the council could prioritize leadership roles for Black community members and ensure that Black-led organizations have a significant voice in decision-making processes. This intentional inclusion would empower Black communities to influence policies affecting their local food systems.

Does this policy provide more decision-making power at the hands of Black communities?

While the NCLFC aims to support equitable food systems, explicit mechanisms granting decision-making authority to Black communities are not detailed. Implementing structures such as advisory boards or committees led by Black stakeholders could ensure that their perspectives and needs are central to the council’s initiatives, fostering community-driven solutions.

Does the policy undermine extractive economies like capitalism and restore community power around a local and regenerative economy/primary production?

The NCLFC promotes local food systems, which inherently support regenerative economies by emphasizing local production and consumption. To further challenge extractive economic models, the council could focus on supporting Black farmers and food entrepreneurs, providing them with resources and opportunities to thrive, thereby restoring community control over food production and distribution.

Does the policy repair past harm and uphold civil and human rights, health, and environmental protections?

The council’s mission includes fostering equitable and resilient food systems, which aligns with addressing historical injustices. To actively repair past harms, the NCLFC could implement programs specifically designed to support Black communities affected by systemic inequities in the food system, ensuring access to healthy foods, economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability.

Developed by Natalie Rivas