Empowering the Community and Reshaping Our Local Food Landscape
At the core of our mission is an unwavering dedication to fostering dialogue, forging connections, and driving action in our local food system. Through our initiatives we aim to create a community where access to nutritious food is equitable and where everyone is empowered to make healthy choices. Join us in our commitment to building a healthier, more vibrant future for Charlotte Mecklenburg, fostering an equitable and sustainable food system for all!
Our Initiatives
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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Seniors can receive additional funds to spend at farmers markets.
Enrollment closed for the season
Community
Fridges
Members of the community can access fresh and healthy food at no additional cost to them.
More information coming soon
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Equity
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​Community
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Partnership
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Advocacy
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Action
At the Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council (CMFPC), our initiatives are deeply rooted in our core pillars, guiding our actions and driving our impact within the community.
Equity: Championing fairness and justice is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally relevant food. Through initiatives like SNAP Double Bucks and the Senior Voucher Program, we actively work to break down barriers to food access, addressing systemic inequities and promoting food sovereignty for all.
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Community: Active engagement with the Mecklenburg County community is fundamental to our work. We believe in fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and interconnected local food ecosystem where everyone has a voice. Through community outreach, education, and events like the North Meck Community Farmers Market, we create opportunities for community members to come together, share ideas, and actively participate in shaping the future of our food system.
Partnership: We recognize that no single organization can solve the complex challenges facing our food system alone. That's why we prioritize cultivating collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the food system. Whether it's partnering with local farmers, businesses, government agencies, or community organizations, we leverage the power of partnerships to drive innovation, share resources, and collectively address food-related challenges in our community.
Advocacy: Speaking out for evidence-based policies is essential for creating lasting change within our food system. We advocate for policies that advance the well-being of our community, from farm to plate, with a focus on promoting equity, sustainability, and transparency. Through research, education, and engagement with policymakers, we amplify the voices of our community and advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.
Action: Ultimately, our success is measured by the impact we make on the ground. We are committed to implementing impactful programs and initiatives that address food policy, food insecurity, and food system equity. From launching community fridges to supporting local farmers through the farmers' market, every action we take is aimed at effecting meaningful and sustainable change in our community, one step at a time.
Doubling impact:
SNAP Double Bucks Transforms Access to Healthy Food
SNAP Double Bucks is a game-changer in the quest for a healthier, more equitable food system. By doubling the purchasing power of SNAP dollars, this program not only makes fresh, nutritious food more accessible to low-income individuals and families but also supports local growers and strengthens community health outcomes.
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CMFPC x Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market have partnered to bring the existing SNAP Double Bucks Program to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, the largest market in Charlotte. This expansion allows SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps) recipients to double their spending on eligible items at the market, providing more fresh, nutritious, and locally sourced food for families in need.
Cultivating Success:
How Our Farmers Market Empowers Emerging Growers
Access to Market Opportunities: For new growers, stepping into the agricultural market can be daunting. That's where North Meck Community Farmers Market steps in, offering a welcoming platform for these budding entrepreneurs to showcase their produce and artisanal goods directly to consumers.
Business Development Support: Beyond just providing a venue for sales, our market offers tailored support and resources for new growers. From workshops on marketing strategies to guidance on pricing and packaging, we empower these entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive marketplace.
Community Engagement: At the heart of our market is a vibrant community where growers and consumers come together. Here, new growers receive invaluable feedback from customers, gain insights into consumer preferences, and forge lasting connections with fellow vendors and patrons. It's a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and celebrated.
Senior Support:
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program aims to enhance the nutrition of older adults and support local farmers. Eligible seniors receive $50 in vouchers to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at participating markets. This initiative helps seniors access healthy food while boosting sales for local farmers.
Enrollment closed for the season
Community Fridge Initiative:
Easy Access to Healthy Food for All
The community fridge initiative in district one will provide self-service access to healthy perishable food, supplementing existing food pantries and distribution sites. These fridges, located with trusted nonprofit organizations in familiar, high-traffic areas, offer a convenient and reliable source of nutritious food. Access is open to all community members without the need to share personal information or meet any qualifications.
