N.C. Governor Bev Perdue has named the members of the new North Carolina Sustainable Local Foods Policy Council, which the state Senate and House voted into law last August. The council’s purpose is to contribute to the growth of a local food economy that is environmentally friendly, increases food safety and increases access to locally-grown foods for all residents.
Comprised of 24 members representing community groups, government, citizens, farmers, hunger advocates and others, the council will examine and report annually on a number of issues. Among their tasks are to:
- Examine the foods served in N.C. public schools and increase the supply of local, sustainable foods served in those schools
- Encourage community and home gardening to increase consumption of local foods
- Make local, sustainable foods available to those needing food assistance and consider increasing the usage of food stamps at local farmers’ markets
- Consider how local foods policies would impact health and wellness, hunger and food access, the state’s economy and preservation of farmlands and waters.
- Examine the possible impact of sustainable, local food on state economic development for both producers of local food and restaurants, for instance, which feature local agricultural products, as well as food and wine agritourism.
There is one final council member to be named, and the first meeting has not yet been announced. You may access the list of members via the News & Observer “Mouthful” food blog. Stay tuned for updates.
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