What is a Food Council?

And what do food councils do and look like in North Carolina? This video below shares the value, the players, and actions of food councils told from the perspective of food council members across the state of North Carolina.

Food councils are community-based coalitions, consisting of multiple organizations and individuals, that help promote more resilient food systems

Councils build connections across stakeholders and collaborate to improve health, food access, natural resource protection, economic development, and production agriculture for all its community’s citizens. Using this cross-sector approach, food councils solve broad food system issues and give communities more control over the food they consume.

Who is involved?

Food councils are intentionally cross-sector and consist of multiple individuals and organizations. They often include representation with the following groups:

  • Public health professionals
  • Local government officials
  • Farmers and/or agricultural organizations
  • Restaurant and local business owners
  • Cooperative Extension staff
  • Soil and Water Conservation District staff
  • Faith communities
  • Public schools
  • Interested parents and consumers
  • Food pantry and food security advocates
  • Community colleges or universities

What do food councils do?

The work of food councils looks different in every community. In general food councils:

  • Engage experts to better understand the food environment
  • Connect decision makers and stakeholders to align programs and initiatives
  • Educate leaders and the community
  • Recommend program and policy change to affect the local food system

Support for Local Food Councils

Statewide entities, including Community Food Strategies and the Local Food Council of North Carolina, are currently helping build the capacity of local food councils with food system expertise, organizational development, trainings, resources, and networking opportunities.

Network of North Carolina Food Councils

A growing network of more than 30 food councils is developing across North Carolina. Councils are looking for collaborative partnerships and support to make greater impact in their communities.

Find more information on food councils across North Carolina.