The first Triad Black Farmer’s Market was held at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA on October 15th, with a successful turnout! The event was a collaboration between N.C. Cooperative Extension, East Greensboro Now, and the African-American Faith-Based Leaders of Guilford County.
Read below for a summary provided by Food Security Coordinator, Alyssa McKim, relaying the progress of our developing Food Security Program in 2023 at the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Guilford County Center:
In 2022, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners established a food security program team within The N.C. Cooperative Extension – Guilford County Center.
The program goals include creating opportunities for collaboration to strengthen the local food system, improving data collection and sharing, and creating a county-wide food security plan. The program team has built connections in the local community, and engaged in a listening tour, hearing what community members see, feel, and think about food insecurity and food systems across the county.
The Food Security Team has been busy and has celebrated the success of the Triad’s first Black Farmer’s Market, coordinated with community partners. In addition to supporting community development work in the local food system, providing grant writing training for community leaders, technical support to food pantries and supporting farm tours to highlight the importance of a strong local food system.
Cooperative Extension is also active in a collaborative effort with local non-profits and hospital systems engaged in Social Determinants of Health and has partnered with Fuse, a national non-profit focused on improving equity and innovation in local governments to bring an Executive Fuse Fellow to Guilford County. Collectively, these actions form the groundwork for improved grassroots leadership and a stronger food system for Guilford County.
The Food Security Team is excited to be partnering with Guilford County Schools and Public Health to plan and execute the county-wide Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more information please contact Alyssa McKim at amckim@guilfordcountync.gov or (336) 641-2421.
1st Annual Farm Fresh Holiday Meal Distribution Program
As the holiday season draws near, the Food Security Team is thrilled to announce our 1st Annual Farm Fresh Holiday Meal Distribution Program, a heartfelt initiative designed to bring the warmth and joy of the season to senior citizens and homebound individuals in our community.
Our program aims to provide nutritious, farm-fresh food packages that include a selection of locally grown produce, a meat protein, and special baked good. To further enhance the holiday spirit, each package will also feature handmade holiday cards created by children at the YMCA. These cards are crafted with love and creativity, ensuring that every recipient receives not only a meal but also a personal message of holiday joy.
This year, in partnership with the Triad Black Faith Leaders and Black Farmers Network (TBFL&BFN), Helping Hands, Carl Chavis YMCA, Growing High Point, Savor the Moment Bakery, local farmers, and volunteers, we were able to distribute over 2,000 food boxes!
Thank you to everyone who helped us start the tradition of working together to source fresh food from local farmers and add thoughtful touches to our holiday packages to spread extra cheer.
