EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), an initiative of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), works to strengthen the local food system across 12 Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The arrival of Hurricane Helene underscored the importance of this work. Severe disruptions to farms, local [...]
To provide a snapshot of the importance of agriculture on the county level, the N.C. Cooperative Extension Local Food Program Team, NC State FarmLink, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) created an infographic for each county and each Council of Government region based on a comparison of 2017 and 2022 USDA Agriculture Census data.
In response to the devastation of the WNC region, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), an initiative of CEFS, awarded $100,000 of its small business grant funds to assist farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
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.
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.
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 [...]
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.
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.
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.
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!
