News

7 Jan, 2025

Developing a New Food System: Bridging the Gap Between Farms and Communities

By |2025-01-07T14:10:12+00:00January 7, 2025|Advocacy, Food Equity, News|0 Comments

The way we grow, distribute, and access food in America is deeply flawed. While some enjoy an abundance of fresh, healthy options, many communities—especially urban and rural areas—struggle with limited access to nutritious food. This disparity isn’t just about food; it’s a symptom of a larger system that prioritizes profit over people, sustainability, and health. At Carolina Farm Trust (CFT), we believe it’s time for a change.

The Problem: A Broken Food System

In the United States, food deserts—areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food—are prevalent. According to the USDA, over 19 million Americans live in food deserts, and many of these areas are in urban centers like Charlotte. Compounding this issue, small and mid-sized farms, which play a vital role in providing fresh produce, face increasing challenges due to market competition, lack of resources, and climate pressures.

23 Dec, 2024

America’s Food Crisis: Declining Production and Rising Reliance on Imports

By |2024-12-23T14:12:09+00:00December 23, 2024|News|0 Comments

For decades, the United States has been a global leader in agriculture. Yet, troubling trends are emerging that put the nation’s food security and independence at risk. As highlighted in a recent interview with Zack Wyatt, Founder, President, and CEO of Carolina Farm Trust, America is growing less of its own food and becoming increasingly reliant on imports. Here, we unpack the challenges, contributing factors, and what Carolina Farm Trust is doing to rebuild resilience in the food system.

Alarming Trends in U.S. Food Production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports a significant decline in fruit and vegetable production over the past two decades. Fruit production has dropped by a staggering 36%, and vegetable production has decreased by over 6%. These declines are not just numbers on a chart; they represent a growing vulnerability in our

18 Dec, 2024

Food is Life: How Nutrition Transforms Lives and Communities

By |2024-12-18T17:58:01+00:00December 18, 2024|News|0 Comments

What we eat is more than fuel—it’s the foundation of our health and the cornerstone of thriving communities. At Carolina Farm Trust, we believe that food has the power to prevent illness, promote well-being, and empower individuals to lead healthier lives. Through our Food is Life program, we aim to close the gap between access to fresh, nutritious food and the health outcomes every community deserves.

The Power of Prevention Through Nutrition

Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity continue to burden families and communities, yet many of these conditions are preventable through proper nutrition. A diet rich in fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins strengthens immune systems, supports mental clarity, and reduces the risk of life-threatening illnesses.

Our Food is Life initiative prioritizes nutrition as a preventive measure, not an afterthought. By

10 Dec, 2024

World Central Kitchen: Disaster Relief Impact Report

By |2024-12-10T22:03:47+00:00December 10, 2024|News|0 Comments

What is World Central Kitchen?

World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by celebrated chef José Andrés, is a non-profit organization driven by a mission to feed communities during times of crisis. By preparing and distributing fresh, nourishing meals, WCK offers hope and sustenance to individuals affected by natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and more. Their commitment to sourcing ingredients locally strengthens regional economies, empowering farmers while providing essential aid.

Responding to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina

In early October, Hurricane Helene ravaged Western North Carolina and its neighboring areas. Torrential rains and severe flooding displaced thousands, cut off power for weeks, and left families without access to basic necessities. This disaster underscored the urgent need for community-driven solutions, and World Central Kitchen answered the call.

Together with Carolina Farm Trust (CFT) as one of their

8 Jun, 2020

Carolina Farm Trust Family

By |2020-09-09T10:47:23+00:00June 8, 2020|News|0 Comments

In light of the recent acts of horrific violence against the Black community, including the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, we stand in solidarity with those around the country who are speaking out and protesting against racial injustice....

2 Oct, 2017

Carolina Farm Trust Filling Gaps In The Local Food Movement Through Carolina Jubilee Music Festival

By |2020-09-09T10:47:23+00:00October 2, 2017|Carolina Jubilee, News|0 Comments

Any given farmers market parking lot contains a familiar spattering of bumper stickers: “Buy Local.” “Support Your Local Farmer.” And for Mike Smith of Big Oak Farm in Cabarrus County, none of them are the answer.

“Demand has outpaced supply for at least 10 years now, ever since we started doing farmers markets,” he says. Smith, whose family has been farming on the same land for over 150 years, has the market to sustainably expand his operation, with locavores and farm-to-table restaurants clamoring for his pastured beef and pork.

But rapid development and resulting rising land prices stand in his way– and threaten the area’s local food supply.  

“Once you start putting down concrete,” he says, “it’s never going to go back to farmland again.”

Zack Wyatt, a Northern Virginia farm kid turned Charlotte transplant, began noticing the Carolinas’ disappearing farmland after reading local blogger

12 Aug, 2017

Carolina Jubilee Is A Lot More Than A Music Festival

By |2020-09-09T10:47:23+00:00August 12, 2017|Carolina Jubilee, News|0 Comments

“Tucked into the heart of the Carolinas at VanHoy Farms in Harmony, NC is this year’s Carolina Jubilee festival, September 29 and 30. The third annual festival is the project of the Carolina Farm Trust, an organization whose mission is to improve the environmental sustainability of farming communities of the Carolinas. There will be 18 bands over the two days, along with food, drinks, and various other activities all from right in the region.

To truly understand the Carolina Jubilee, it is important to consider the initiatives of the Carolina Farm Trust which began just over two years ago in May of 2015. “I just started talking to the farmers and asking ‘What do you need? Is it a tractor; is it land?’ and then I began making all of these commitments that I had no idea how I would follow through on. So I needed a vehicle for that

16 Jul, 2017

Carolina Jubilee Supports Carolina Farm Trust

By |2020-09-09T10:47:23+00:00July 16, 2017|Carolina Jubilee, News|0 Comments

The Carolina Farm Trust helps farmers acquire equipment, lease or purchase land, protect farmland from development, and through creative marketing campaigns.

As the state’s leading dairy producer, Iredell County is an ideal location for the Trust’s signature fundraiser, the Carolina Jubilee.

The Jubilee will feature live local music, farm-fresh cuisine, local breweries and more. The event is set for Sept. 29-30 at VanHoy Farms in nearby Harmony.

Zack Wyatt, Carolina Farm Trust and Jubilee founder, said that the organization was looking for an agricultural center that could bridge the divide between rural and urban life.

“There is (no place) better than North Iredell County,” he said. “(The Jubilee) brings the region together to celebrate Carolina agriculture and put a spotlight on Carolina businesses that utilize Carolina farms as part of their supply chains.”

Wyatt is thankful for the consistency and support of the Jubilee’s numerous vendors, including small business and agriculture-based vendors, vineyards, and

6 Jul, 2017

Music For The Ears, And Food Security For The Neighbors Raising Awareness For Carolina Farm Trust Initiative

By |2020-09-09T10:47:24+00:00July 6, 2017|News|0 Comments

Charlotte farmer Paul Brewington is featured in the documentary “The Farmer that Feeds Us,” which highlights community efforts to eradicate food insecurity. A fundraiser will be held July 8 in Historic West End with the soul/funk band Groove 8.

How much do Charlotteans think about food?
Carolina Farm Trust is bringing a feast to Historic West End on July 8 to raise awareness and funds for food security. Party with a Purpose is a day party at Mosaic Village designed to engage the community regardless of budget. Local soul/funk band Groove 8 will perform, and local beer will be available from Three Spirits Brewery.

Later that evening, the Wadsworth Estate serves as the backdrop for a feast benefiting Brewington Farms.

“In case one event wasn’t stressful enough, we decided to do two, because I really wanted to make sure that we incorporated the whole community,”

5 Jul, 2017

West End Event Will Celebrate Farms And Fun

By |2024-10-17T12:02:21+00:00July 5, 2017|Farmers, News|0 Comments

Pack your lawn chair and head to the West End this Saturday for a day of fun and food that will help support local farmers.

It’s a great opportunity to meet, greet, and eat while helping to improve food access in the city’s underserved areas.

While development is brisk on the west side of Charlotte, “food deserts” remain. Farmer Paul Brewington is one of the anchor vendors of the newly established Rosa Parks Farmers Market that serves the area. He’s a vocal proponent for the foods that are still hard to obtain for too many residents. “There is a quite a difference between the taste of fresh produce that is grown locally or a hundred-mile radius; a few hours old versus three to seven days old,” he says.

Zack Wyatt of advocacy group Carolina Farm Trust is one of the event’s organizers. He says, “Communities rise and fall

Go to Top