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18 Feb, 2025

Rebuilding Food Sovereignty: How Local Farms Can Lead the Way

By Siobhan Norbeck|2025-02-18T18:44:08+00:00February 18, 2025|Food Equity, Mental Health, Sustainability|0 Comments

For too long, large-scale industrial agriculture has dominated the food landscape—prioritizing mass production, corporate profit, and monoculture farming at the expense of health, environment, and food security. But communities around the world are reclaiming their right to control their own food systems, a movement known as food sovereignty.

Food sovereignty is more than just access to food—it’s about who controls the land, the resources, and the decision-making process. It ensures that food is produced by and for the people in a way that is sustainable, culturally relevant, and economically fair. At Carolina Farm Trust (CFT), we are dedicated to rebuilding a farmer-driven, community-led food system that prioritizes people over profit.

What Is Food Sovereignty?

The term food sovereignty was first introduced by La Vía Campesina, an international movement of farmers, in 1996. Unlike food security, which focuses on

11 Feb, 2025

The Hidden Wounds of Hunger: Understanding Food Trauma Amidst Food Insecurity

By Siobhan Norbeck|2025-02-11T17:20:43+00:00February 11, 2025|Food Equity, Mental Health|0 Comments

When we think of food insecurity, the immediate image that comes to mind is physical hunger—the gnawing emptiness of an empty stomach. However, the repercussions of not having consistent access to adequate food extend far beyond physical discomfort. Food insecurity can inflict deep psychological wounds, leading to what experts term “food trauma.”

Defining Food Trauma

Food trauma refers to the psychological distress and adverse emotional responses resulting from experiences related to food scarcity, forced eating, or other negative food-related events. Individuals who have faced prolonged periods of hunger or uncertainty about their next meal often develop anxieties and fears surrounding food. This trauma can manifest as heightened stress, anxiety, depression, and even disordered eating patterns.

A report by the Adur & Worthing Food Network highlights that individuals experiencing food insecurity often endure feelings of shame, guilt,

7 Feb, 2025

Beyond Hunger: The Hidden Impacts of Food Insecurity

By Siobhan Norbeck|2025-02-07T14:27:29+00:00February 7, 2025|Advocacy, economic burden, Food Equity, Food Systems, Health Impacts, Hunger, Mental Health, Sustainability|0 Comments

Food insecurity is a global crisis that reaches far beyond the empty stomachs it creates. It’s about the trauma of uncertainty—parents not knowing if they can provide dinner for their children, seniors rationing their meals to make ends meet, and individuals facing long-term physical and emotional harm. In 2023, the USDA reported that 47 million people in the U.S., including 14 million children, lived in food-insecure households. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 864 million people face hunger.

The effects of food insecurity ripple through every aspect of life, influencing health, mental well-being, and financial stability. Let’s dig deeper into the profound impacts of this crisis and explore the steps needed to create a fairer, healthier food system.

Health Impacts: Chronic Conditions and Poor Nutrition

Food insecurity doesn’t just mean fewer meals; it often means eating the

27 Jan, 2025

Reimagining Food Systems: A Path to Health, Sustainability, and Equity

By Siobhan Norbeck|2025-01-27T16:53:02+00:00January 27, 2025|Food Equity, Food Systems, Sustainability|0 Comments

The global food system is one of humanity’s greatest achievements and challenges. It feeds billions but often at the cost of environmental health, economic stability, and social equity. A recent groundbreaking study has revealed that transitioning to a sustainable food system could unlock $10 trillion in benefits annually. At Carolina Farm Trust, we believe these findings underscore the urgency to act now to reshape our food systems and ensure they benefit people, the planet, and future generations.

The Hidden Costs of Our Current Food System

Our existing food systems generate immense hidden costs. According to the Food System Economics Commission, these costs—including environmental degradation, health impacts, and biodiversity loss—amount to $15 trillion annually. Agriculture alone accounts for more than 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, pushing us toward a dangerous 2.7°C of warming

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

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