Carolina Farm Trust supports NC sustainable farms with recent events

13 Jan, 2025

Let’s Talk About Food Systems: Building a Sustainable Future Together

By Siobhan Norbeck|2025-01-13T16:13:54+00:00January 13, 2025|Food Equity, Food Systems, Sustainability|0 Comments

The term “food system” encompasses the complex web of activities involving the production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food. Understanding this system is crucial, as it directly impacts our health, environment, and communities. At Carolina Farm Trust (CFT), we are dedicated to strengthening local food systems in the Carolinas, ensuring they are sustainable, equitable, and resilient.

Understanding Food Systems

A food system involves every step food takes from farm to table, including:

Production: Growing crops and raising livestock—the foundation of food systems. This stage includes everything from small family farms to large industrial operations.
Processing: Transforming raw ingredients into consumable products, such as turning wheat into bread or milk into cheese.
Distribution: Transporting food to markets, stores, or directly to consumers. This stage often involves complex logistics that impact food accessibility.

7 Jan, 2025

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

By Siobhan Norbeck|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 Siobhan Norbeck|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 Siobhan Norbeck|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 Siobhan Norbeck|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

3 Dec, 2024

Cultivating Change: Join Carolina Farm Trust’s Mission on Giving Tuesday

By Siobhan Norbeck|2024-12-03T18:48:22+00:00December 3, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

At Carolina Farm Trust, we believe that change begins with community. This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in creating a healthier, more equitable food system for the Carolinas..

Giving Tuesday is more than a day—it’s a global movement to inspire generosity. It’s about taking action to make a difference, one small step at a time. Here in North Carolina, your generosity helps us strengthen the local food ecosystem, empower farmers, and ensure families have access to fresh, nutritious food.

Why Carolina Farm Trust?

At Carolina Farm Trust, our mission goes beyond farming—we’re building stronger, more resilient communities by addressing food access, supporting local agriculture, and nurturing the next generation of farmers. Guided by our four key pillars, we aim to transform the food system in North Carolina:

The Urban Farm Network began in 2020 with the launch

29 Oct, 2024

Activation Day at CFT Market

By Carolina Farm Trust|2024-10-29T21:22:07+00:00October 29, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

CFT Market: Opening Phase One and Creating a Hub for Fresh, Local Food

We’re excited to announce that Phase One of the CFT Market is now officially operational! Located in west Charlotte, this market is more than just a place to cook and store food—it’s a community hub designed to make fresh, local produce accessible to all. At Carolina Farm Trust, we believe that food is more than sustenance; it’s a gateway to community empowerment and sustainable change.

What is CFT Market?

The CFT Market is the physical extension of our mission to rebuild food systems from the ground up. In west Charlotte, where food insecurity has long been a challenge, this market offers a solution rooted in relationships, not transactions. By stocking our coolers with produce from local farmers and providing a space where neighbors can connect at our weekly pop-up farm stands, we are creating a

14 Oct, 2024

The 2024 Systems Change Conference

By Carolina Farm Trust|2024-10-16T12:19:25+00:00October 14, 2024|Events|0 Comments

This year’s Systems Change Conference kicked off in the best way possible: with a hands-on, immersive experience at Russell Hedrick’s farm. Learning directly from leading voices in regenerative agriculture provided an incredible opportunity to explore cutting-edge advancements in regenerative equipment, soil health practices, drone technology, and farming data that are shaping the future of agriculture.

“It was great to be among professionals and farmers who do this work daily.” – Anonymous Review

The conversations on Monday were just as impactful as the farm experience itself. Our panels addressed key issues, including the Government’s Role in Systems Change, Food as Health and Nutrition Density, and the emerging innovations in Decarbonization Efforts. These discussions set the stage for a deep dive into the structural shifts needed to create sustainable food systems.

“I really enjoyed the morning at the farm. Seeing and learning more about the tangible impact of sustainable, regenerative

15 Aug, 2024

Carolina Farm Trust Opens Phase One of New Community Food Market to Improve Access to Healthy Food from Carolina-region Farms

By Carolina Farm Trust|2024-08-15T14:46:47+00:00August 15, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Carolina Farm Trust Opens Phase One of New Community Food Market to Improve Access to Healthy Food from Carolina-region Farms

CHARLOTTE—Carolina Farm Trust (CFT), a non-profit dedicated to localizing community food systems in rural and urban regions to increase access to healthy foods, announced today the opening of phase one of the new 25,000-square-foot CFT Market in West Charlotte. After three years of design and construction, phase one of the CFT Market will center on CFT’s expanding food production in the community and greater Charlotte region.

Led by Executive Chef Ryan Forte and Executive Pastry Chef Leressa Rucker, the new state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, located in the center of CFT Market, will prepare meals, baked goods and other culinary creations from fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients grown by regional farms for CFT’s catering services, pop up markets, CFT Bistro food truck and local restaurants. In addition, the CFT Market culinary team will work with

20 May, 2024

Farm Stand at the Urban Farm at Aldersgate

By The Carolina Farm Trust|2024-06-25T20:15:06+00:00May 20, 2024|Events|0 Comments

Stop by our farm stand every Thursday between 4 – 7pm to grab some fresh produce for dinner! Meet the farmers, tour our Urban Farm at Aldersgate, and purchase some fresh, local produce grown right from our soil.

Check out the Urban Farm at Aldersgate Instagram for weekly updates on our produce list.

The Urban Farm at Aldersgate address is 4101 Somerdale Ln, Charlotte, NC 28205.

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