Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS)

CEFS EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Program Expanding Impact in Western NC with $2M from State, Federal, and Western NC Regional Funders

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is thrilled to announce the continuation of its groundbreaking project, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), with a generous grant of $1.1M from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as well as additional matching support from Dogwood Health Trust, WNC Bridge Foundation, NC State Cooperative Extension, and other regional community partners, for a total of $2 million.

CEFS2024-08-30T18:53:32-04:00April 26th, 2024|CEFS Happenings, E-News, Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), News, Press Release|

CEFS EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Program Expanding Impact in Western NC with New $1,186,409 ARC Grant

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is thrilled to announce the continuation of its groundbreaking project, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), with a generous grant of $1,186,409 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and significant match from Dogwood Health Trust and WNC Bridge Foundation community partners as well as NC State Cooperative Extension.

Janie Hynson2023-12-11T12:49:33-05:00December 11th, 2023|CEFS Happenings, E-News, Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), News, Press Release|

Projects Continue as EMFS Says Goodbye For Now

Farewell from Project Director, Laura Lauffer What a wonderful ride to reflect on! As we close out the EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) project, we want to share some highlights and gratitude from our work since 2018: - We distributed over $300,000 in farmer grants, loan matches, and scholarships. - This funding leveraged over $2,000,000 [...]

Marcello Cappellazzi2023-04-12T17:35:55-04:00April 6th, 2023|Agrophile, CEFS Happenings, E-News, Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), Harvest Health, News|

Implementing Produce Rx Programs in WNC: A Conversation With Jessica Mrugala

Harvest Health, is a Produce Prescription (Rx) Program designed to educate consumers about healthy, seasonal eating and engage regional farmers. Produce Rx Programs connect physicians and dieticians to people with diet-related health risks or conditions, or food access challenges.

Marcello Cappellazzi2023-01-27T11:55:22-05:00January 27th, 2023|Harvest Health|

Vacationer Supported Agriculture

EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems and NC State Extension have announced that the Vacationer Supported Agriculture (VSA) initiative has, for the fifth year in a row, opened new markets, extended its season, and diversified its product offerings.

Marcello Cappellazzi2022-06-03T15:29:25-04:00June 3rd, 2022|Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS)|

Digital Story: Women-owned Food Truck Event Coming to Cherokee

Read the digital story on Smoky Mountain News, “Women-owned Food Truck Event Coming to Cherokee,” about the Food Truck Rodeo that took place in February 2022. This event featured local food and traditional eats from women-owned food trucks.

Antonia Brown2022-03-29T10:44:01-04:00March 29th, 2022|Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS)|

Qualla Boundary Women Rock the Local Food Truck Scene

The Food Truck Rodeo is a two-day event serving sizzling southern favorites, fry-bread and traditional eats. Read on to learn about the amazing women and families behind this culinary display!

Antonia Brown2022-02-01T20:31:09-05:00February 1st, 2022|Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS)|

Friend your Farmer: EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Launches Campaign to Thank Local, SWNC Farmers Post Pandemic

Continued appreciation for the people who grow our food, nurture our landscapes, and provide health to our communities is the inspiration for the new EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) marketing campaign - #FriendyourFarmer.

Janie Hynson2021-07-01T19:14:47-04:00July 1st, 2021|Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS)|

The Importance of Agriculture in Kituwah to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Community

John Dugan, a farmer from Cherokee, NC, was recently awarded a valuable new asset to his produce stand: a roomy, climate-controlled trailer he can haul behind his truck to keep produce fresh in transport. Learn more about John and the importance of agriculture in Kituway to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community.

CEFS2021-05-13T17:47:25-04:00April 13th, 2021|Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS)|

Agritourism Joins Outdoor Recreation as an Economic Asset in Southwestern North Carolina

Chloe Riley, an undergraduate student at NC State University (NC State) in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management recently had the opportunity to work with several professors from NC State on an exciting project with EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems.

CEFS2021-02-23T15:22:46-05:00February 4th, 2021|Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS)|