Working Landscapes

Value chain development: through this program, we weave together diverse actors, infrastructure, policy development, research, and stakeholder engagement to build connections across the food system. We are a trusted partner, connecting farmers, peer organizations, institutions, and community members in designing, building, and implementing food system initiatives that move healthy food and support reinvestment in rural communities. In 2024, we led workshops on food safety, convened stakeholders around farm-to-school efforts, conducted research to understand the needs of farmers and institutional customers, and contributed to the evaluation of local food procurement programs. We also helped to build the capacity of a dozen community-based and faith-based organizations to integrate healthy local food into their food assistance programs.

Resilient communities (formerly climate mobilization: through this program, we aim to build awareness of and support for regional food systems, regenerative agriculture, and the development of housing and community development programs that support health and well-being. We also work to create opportunities for community cohesion through hands-on skills building and advancing approaches to rural livelihoods and resilience. In 2024, we opened a downtown meeting and event space, hosted internship programs for 15 area high school students and helped to launch a public-private warren county housing coalition. We also managed a statewide program with partner food hubs to offer new forms of technical and financial assistance to farmers who adopt regenerative production practices. We supported small towns in eastern north carolina in developing climate resilience plans. To create more healthy and sustainable lives and livelihoods for people in the warren county, nc region through stewardship of natural and cultural assets.