1. Jenny McPherson North Carolina Central University Dr. Chad Morgan LSIS 5220 November 29, 2012 LOCAL AVENUES TO FOOD SECURITY Far Western North Carolina Counties – Region A

2. LOCAL AVENUES TO FOOD SECURITY Far Western North Carolina Counties – Region A

3. Table of Contents Food Insecurity Food Policy Slides 5-8 Obtaining Immediate Food Relief Slides 9-13 Resources for Market Coordinators Slides 12-16 Resources for Growers/Producers Slides 14-23 Helpful for all Slides 18-23

4. Table of Contents 5.Food Insecurity (Hunger) - Defined 6.Implications of Food Insecurity 7.Food Insecurity - Statistics 8.Food Policy 9.Western North Carolina Food Pantries 10.Summer Food Service Program 11.USDA Food and Nutrition Service : Nutrition Resources 12.SNAP benefits – Food Stamps at Markets 13.WIC – Women, Infants, and Children 14.Grant Funding 15.Start Up Your Own Farmers Market 16.Promoting Yourself: Farmer/Grower or Market 17.Training for Growers in WNC 18.Farmers Markets in Far West Region of WNC 19.Farmers Markets in Far West Region of WNC cont. 20.Cooperative Extension Centers 21.Cooperative Extension Local Food Contacts in Far West Counties 22.Seed Libraries/Exchanges 23.Certified Kitchens

5. Abbreviations 1.ASAP – Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project 2.USDA -- United States Department of Agriculture 3.SFSP – Summer Food Service Program 4.SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 5.WIC – Women Infant and Children

6. Food Insecurity (Hunger) Defined USDA's labels describe ranges of food security Food Security High food security (old label=Food security): no reported indications of food-access problems or limitations. Marginal food security (old label=Food security): one or two reported indications-- typically of anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage of food in the house. Little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake. Food Insecurity Low food security (old label=Food insecurity without hunger): reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake. Very low food security (old label=Food insecurity with hunger): Reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake. http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food- nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the- us/key-statistics-graphics.aspx#map Lots of Statistics and Data on this page. North Carolina is above the national average Food security means access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/fo od-nutrition-assistance/food- security-in-the-us.aspx United States Department of Agriculture –Economic Research Service I talk about this page again regarding statistics, but the website offers a lot of information including a link to published articles from Assessing the Healthfulness of Consumers Grocery Purchases to Wheat Outlook: October 2012. Digging deeper I can get an excel spreadsheet of the cost of apples or any fruit or veggie for that matter, in all forms in 2008.

7. Implications of Food Insecurity http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in- america/impact-of-hunger.aspx Feeding America – Hunger Studies tab offers hundreds of reports from their Hunger Study 2010 regarding food insecurity. Click on the Emergency Food Assistance tab and it leads you to the nearest Foodbank Hub. From there you can enter a map of the counties the Hub serves and find the closest emergency food source. Impact of Hunger link provides information regarding specifics on physical and mental health of adult and children along with a bibliography of resources used. The website also provides links to find out if you are eligible for food assistance such as SNAP and directs you to your local resources. Also provides many ways you can get involved to help including volunteering and donating money or food. The consequences of food insecuritynot having access at all times to enough safe, nutritious food for an active healthy lifestylecan negatively affect health and behavioral development. www.cdc.gov

8. Food Insecurity Statistics Food Insecurity and Very Low Food Security In 2011, 50.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households, 33.5 million adults and 16.7 million children. In 2011, 14.9 percent of households (17.9 million households) were food insecure. In 2011, 5.7 percent of households (6.8 million households) experienced very low food security. In 2011, households with children reported food insecurity at a significantly higher rate than those without children, 20.6 percent compared to 12.2percent. In 2011, households that had higher rates of food insecurity than the national average included households with children (20.6 percent), especially households with children headed by single women (36.8 percent) or single men (24.9 percent), Black non-Hispanic households (25.1 percent) and Hispanic households (26.2 percent). In 2011, 8.8 percent of seniors living alone (1 million households) were food insecure. Food insecurity exists in every county in America, ranging from a low of 5 percent in Steele County, ND to a high of 37 percent in Holmes County, MS. http://feedingamerica.org In the United States, more than one out of five children lives in a household with food insecurity. http://www.ers.usda.gov/data- products/food-environment- atlas/go-to-the-atlas.aspx USDA Economic Research Service A highly interactive map with county specific information regarding food insecurity. Also includes just about any information related to food such as how close the nearest store is and how many acres of vegetables were sold at farmers markets.

9. Food Policy http://www.wcu.edu/31316.asp Western North Carolina Universitys Food Policy Council. Focused on Region A (the 7 far western counties in NC) and working with MANNA Food Bank, the Southwest Commission Region A and local governments. The council is focused on planning and advocating for greater food security and stronger food economies http://www.ncagr.gov/localfood/documents/2012_NC SLFAC_Annual_Report.pdf North Carolina Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council 2012 Annual Report Government mandated in 2009 (http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2011/Bills/Senate/PDF/S49 1v4.pdf) to contribute to building a local food economy, thereby benefiting North Carolina by creating jobs, stimulating statewide economic development, circulating money from local food sales within local communities, preserving open space, decreasing the use of fossil fuel and thus reducing carbon emissions, preserving and protecting the natural environment, increasing consumer access to fresh and nutritious foods, and providing greater food security for all North Carolinians. The report ends with a list of its 24 members and their contact information. http://www.ncagr.gov/localfood/ Includes links to the above NC Council http://www.statefoodpolicy.org /?pageID=qanda#WhatIsAFoodP olicy A food policy is any legislative or administrative decision made by a government agency, business, or organization which effects how food is produced, processed, distributed, and purchased, designed to influence the operation of the food and agriculture system. This site offers questions and answers about creating a food policy council. A Food Policy Council is a collaboration between citizens and government officials who have diverse needs and ideas. Together they bring voice to local food needs and make informed recommendations to policy makers. Council can be a grassroots effort or sanctioned by government.

10. Western North Carolina Food Pantries MANNA Foodbank covers 16 Western North Carolina Counties with a vision of a hunger free WNC. MANNA Food bank is a central distribution agency where farmers and farmers markets can donate their excess food which will help feed a local person in need. A few of the many places that work with MANNA Cherokee County Murphy Free Methodist Church Soup Kitchen 828-837-5425 Clay County Clay County Food Pantry 828-389-1657 Jackson County: 828-586-6782 http://www.communitytable.org/ The Community Table - An organization providing meals to neighbors in need. Works in conjunction with the Sylva Community Garden. Macon County: Adventist Community Services of Franklin 828-369-9000 Swain County: Food Pantry/Grace Christian Academy 828-488-2480 http://www.fns.usda.gov/outreach/getinvolved/ Get Involved – ways that you can help end hunger in your community. Immediate help for you or someone you know who is hungry dial 2-1-1 or 828-252-4357 mannafoodbank.org MANNA food bank is the best resource for determining location of local food banks. http://mannafoodbank.org Click on the About section and go to Agency Directory. www.foodpantries.org/ar/ establishing-a-new-food- pantry A resource for Establishing a New Food Pantry.

11. Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) http://www.fns.usda.gov/outreach/SNAP andSFSPmap.htm Interactive map showing state participation rates for SNAP and SFSP. Clicking on NC shows that there is only an %8.5 participation rate for SRSP or in other words 717,000 eligible children are NOT participating. http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/summer/ USDA Food and Nutrition Service – Summer Food Service Program This site offers information on how you can help to increase the number of children benefiting from this program by sponsoring a program, opening a site or volunteering. Call 866-348-6479 or 877 842-6273 (Spanish) to find a site serving food during the summer in your community.

12. USDA– Food and Nutrition Service http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/te fap/cfs_tefap.htm The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Commodity fact sheet and recipes. Detailed nutritional information on many fruits and vegetables and how to use them http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/default.htm Food Distribution Programs spotlighting two programs: Healthy Choices American Grown and 180 Healthy Options – lots of nutrition based resources for school nutrition professionals, teachers and parents. Nutrition Resources

13. SNAP benefits – Food Stamps at Markets http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/fm.htm This will be your first stop in obtaining a FNS number (Food and Nutrition Services) The site also has resources for Farmers Markets regarding details of how to run the token program (EBT Scrip Project,) grant opportunities, getting SNAP customers to the market and more. http://snap.ntis.gov/ provides free outreach and nutrition education materials for markets and educators to download or order. http://www.fns.usda.gov/outreach/documents/ SNAP_rates/North_Carolina.pdf shows that North Carolina has a 71% participation rate for SNAP. Some states have %100 or close to it. Increasing the number of eligible SNAP participants will reduce the risk of food insecurity. http://www.foodstamps.org/north-carolina- food-stamp-program A non government website geared toward helping you determine what food assistance programs you qualify for. Offers links to the necessary sites to obtain SNAP benefits. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) At Farmers Markets: A How-To- Handbook http://www.ams.usda.gov/A MSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=ST ELPRDC5085298 A joint publication by the USDA and Project for Public Spaces, this is a great guide for understanding all that is needed to implement an EBT system at your market including how to obtain an FNS number, rules, vendor agreement forms, where to purchase wooden tokens and funding options.

14. WIC – Women, Infants, and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Coordinator: Cory Menees phone: 919-707-5765 email: cory.menees@ncmail.net Participating WNC counties: Haywood County Health Department: Contact: Marcia Tate 828-452-6675 http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/FMNP/ USDA Food and Nutrition Services Provides more in depth information regarding the FMNP and Senior FMNP. Includes overview, facts and contacts. http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/FMNP/FMNPf aqs.htm#overview scroll down to How does the program operate for specific information on starting FMNP at your market. WIC is a nutrition program funded by the USDA. The Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers coupons to WIC eligible persons to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. http://www.nutritionnc.com/ wic/fmarket.htm Nutrition Services (NC) website provides information for market coordinators as well as a directory of participating counties. Also provides information regarding health related workshops and trainings.

15. Grant Funding http://www.sare.org/Grants – Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Seven different grant types are available yearly and nationwide for researchers, producers, extension, nonprofits, educators, community organizations and students. The mission of SARE is: to advanceto the whole of American agricultureinnovations that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life by investing in groundbreaking research and education. Website is clearly set up with information regarding grant specifics for each region and type, as well as educational opportunities and grants awarded. http://wncagoptions.org/ - NC Cooperative Extension WNC AgOptions Serving Western NC with a mission To build sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations. http://www.organicgrains.ncsu.edu/organiccostshare.htm#nc da NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost-Share Will pay up %75 of certification cost up to $750. Provides link to www.ncdaorganic.org for lots of information. Contact Heather Lifsey heather.lifsey@ncagr.gov or 919-707-3127 www.nrcs.usda.gov – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Lots of grant options – a good resource for beginner farmers too. http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/fm-scrip- Grant_Resources.htm All types of USDA grant options Grants – Grant funding is a great way to begin or expand your business. Yes, the process can be daunting and long, but take it step by step, dont miss the deadlines, ask your local ag agent for help if you need it – thats what they are there for. You can do it! http://www.asapconnections. org/grants.html ASAP has a list of grant opportunities here.

16. Start Up Your Own Farmers Market http://cherokee.ces.ncsu.edu/2012/04/files/library/2 0/farmers%20market.pdf How to Start a Farmers Market http://cherokee.ces.ncsu.edu/2012/04/157170/ Provides an even more in depth word document on link above. http://www.asapconnections.org/downloads/AS AP%20Growing%20a%20Local%20Food%20Econom y.pdf ASAPs Growing a Local Food Economy: A Guide to Getting Started – an 11 page publication designed to guide you though the process of promoting local foods. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy639 University of Florida IFSA Extension offers an in depth resource of issues involved with starting a market – including legal issues. pps.org Project for Public Spaces – Blogs and information on public spaces. Offers training program information for new and existing market spaces and market vendors. A monetary commitment, but you can browse through 80 worldwide markets and read about what makes them work. According to ASAPs Local Food Guide, in the last 10 years Farmers Market listings in our area have grown from 28 – 84. Farm listings have grown from 36 to over 500 !

17. Promoting Yourself: Farmer/Grower or Market http://www.asapconnections.org/ If you are a Western North Carolina farmer/grower or market, you should register your business with ASAP whose mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food www.farmersmarketcoalition.org Has a listserv that you can subscribe to and ask a targeted audience, any market related questions you have. Corum, V., Rosenzweig, M., & Gibson, E. (2001) The new farmers market: Farm-fresh ideas for producers, managers & communities New World Publishing: Auburn, CA The only book in this resource guide – well worn and used often – chocked full of good ideas for both growers and market organizers. http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/farms-and- community/beginningnew-farmers – USDA National Agricultural Library Resources for beginning / new farmers Become a member of ASAP Join the Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Teach Workshops Talk to schools Create a website Email News Social Media Press Release Grow great food Make sure your stall is attractive and your items are well marked Network Join the Farmers Market Coalition listserv

18. Training for Growers in WNC http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/ An annual spring conference taking place at the university of NC at Asheville. The website offers up an amazing amount of information gathered from prior conferences. Organic Grower School Farmer Programs: This portion of the website offers to connect apprentice farmers with established farmers, and explains The Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) in detail. http://fromhere.org/events/ ASAP A great resource for training opportunities for both farmers and market coordinators in the area. A great way to hear about learning opportunities is to get on the mailing list of extension agents in your area. Upcoming training sessions: GAP: local farmers can achieve USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) certification, provide information on risks behind specific GAPs requirements, and outline logistics for preparing and scheduling a GAPs audit. Contact Sue Colucci:828-697-4891 or email sjcolucc@ncsu.edu Pickle School: A necessary class to produce pickles was previously offered in Raleigh and an expensive class, now being offered in Asheville and is affordable. Contact: Lisa Gordon: 919-515-2760 or email lisa.gordon@ncsu.edu

19. Farmers Markets in Far West Region of WNC Cherokee County Cedar Valley Farmers Market: …………………...Murphy cedarvalleyfarmersmarket@gmail.com Clay County Brasstowns Farmers Market : ……………….Brasstown 828-837-9329 jax1215@gmail.com Mountain Valley Farmers Market : …………..Hayesville 828-389-3022 clayjoan@frontier.com Graham County Graham County Farmers Market : ………..Robbinsville 828-479-8788 www.smnpa.org bwrc@earthlink.net Stecoah Tailgate Market : …………………Robbinsville 828-479-3364 www.stecoahvalleycenter.com kate@stecoahvalleycenter.com Haywood County Canton Tailgate Market: …………………..……..Canton 828-235-2760 www.cantonnc.com holcombe@canton.nc.net Haywood Historic Farmers Market : ……....Waynesville 828-550-4748 www.wanesvillefarmersmarket.com haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com Waynesville Tailgate Market : ………………Waynesville 828-648-6323 ncnannyandpapaw@gmail.com Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project ASAP http://www.buyappalachian.org/ Website offers an interactive guide to farmers markets, farms and more in the Southern Appalachian region with their online version of their Local Food Guide. You can search by region or farm, or market. List to right: Farmers Markets in the Far West Region of NC. (14)

20. Farmers Markets in Far West Region of WNC cont. Jackson County Blue Ridge Farmers Co-op : ………..…Cashiers 828-226-9988 www.blueridgefarmersco-op.com blueridgfarmers@gmail.com Cashiers Tailgate Market : ……….……Cashiers 828-734-5106 www.blueridgefarmersco-op.com bearfootgrandonna@yahoo.com Jackson County Farmers Market : ……….Sylva 828-631-3033 www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org jennywm@buncombe.main.nc.us Macon County Andrews Farmers Market: ……………..Andrews 828-321-5960 rblchick041@frontier.com Franklin Tailgate Market : ……………..Franklin blueribboneggs@gmail.com Swain County Swain County Farmers Market : …..Bryson City 828-488-3848 christine_bredenkamp@ncsu.edu Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project ASAP http://www.buyappalachian.org/ List to right: Farmers Markets in the Far West Region of NC. (14) Cont.

21. Cooperative Extension Centers http://jackson.ces.ncsu.edu/categories/agri culture-food/local-foods/ North Carolina Cooperative Extension is an enthusiastic supporter of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems initiative to build the states local food economy, from farm to fork. Cooperative Extension is the face of your countys local foods initiative, helping to promote North Carolinas 10% Campaign and to guide efforts to develop the local food economy. The Cooperative Extension Center Agents are truly a fabulous resource! See next page for individual county local food contacts! Agriculture and agribusiness account for about 17% of NC state jobs and income. http://jackson.ces.ncsu.edu North Carolina Cooperative Extensions educational programs provide farmers and agribusinesses with the research-based knowledge they need to produce high- quality crops and livestock in economically and environmentally sustainable ways.

22. Cooperative Extension Local Food Contacts in Far West Counties Local Food Contacts by county Buncombe County: Sue Colucci 828.255.5522 Cherokee County: Tammara Cole or Keith Wood: 828.837.2917 Clay County: Silas Brown 828.389.6305 Eastern Band, Cherokee Indians Tammara Cole 828.554.6931 Graham County: Randy Collins 828.479.7979 Haywood County Bill Skelton, Tim Mathews, Sue Colucci 828.456.3575 Jackson County: Christine Bredenkamp 828.586.4009 Macon County: Alan Durden, Sherrie Peeler 828.349.2046 Swain County: Christine Bredenkamp 828.488.3848 A Map of NC Cooperative Extension Service Districts http://www.ces.ncsu.edu WEST Region Contact: Dan Smith 828-687-0570 **Email individual agents for updates on events and learning opportunities. Email addresses are: firstname_lastname@ncsu.edu Example: sue_colucci@ncsu.edu

23. Seed Libraries/exchanges Sylva Sprouts A free seed project in Sylva, NC There is only one seed library in Western North Carolina that I am aware of and that is in Jackson County and located at the Cooperative Extension Service Center in on Scotts Creek Rd. in Sylva. It is called Sylva Sprouts and allows you to check out seeds at no cost, grow the plant and save the seed. Contact: Jenny McPherson 828-631-3033 or jennywm@buncombe.main.nc.us Many communities and farmers markets also have a seed exchange annually. Learning proper seed saving methods will guarantee the plants survival, and saving seeds from local plants ensures that the plant will be well adapted to our microclimate. www.richmondgrowsseeds.org Visit this site for lots of seed saving information and how to start up your own seed library or seed saving community garden.

24. Certified Kitchens Buncombe County Blue Ridge Food Ventures ………………….Candler Mary Lou Surgi 828-348-0128 http://www.advantagewest.com/content.cfm/content_id/144/ section/food Graham County Stecoah Valley Food Ventures Rose Moberly (828) 479-3364 www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/community.html – has downloadable information on uses, fees and a contract. Jackson County Community Table – Community Kitchen Jennie Ashlock - 828-736-4971 Renee Pierce - Renee Pierce@ncagr.gov 919-270-4119 Madison County Madison Farms Catherine Walker 828-649-2411 www.madisonfarms.org madison@quickbrightsharp.com or ross_young@ncsu.edu Certify Your Own Kitchen www.ncagr.gov/fooddrug - North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consume Services – Food and Drug Protection Division www.agr.state.nc.us/fooddrug/food/homebiz.htm 919-733-7366 Community Certified Kitchens offer an avenue to process value added foods such as jams, jellies and baked goods. An individual can be certified for low or medium risk foods to be sold at local farmers markets. This is also an opportunity for individuals to process their own vegetables in a safe environment for their own use. Community Food Processing centers in NC http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp- content/uploads/2012/07/NCComm unityFoodProcessingCenters.pdf