Supply chain – Center for Environmental Farming Systems https://cefs.ncsu.edu Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:30:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/cropped-CEFS-Site-Icon-01-32x32.jpg Supply chain – Center for Environmental Farming Systems https://cefs.ncsu.edu 32 32 WNC Food Supply Chain Map https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/wnc-food-supply-chain-map/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:21:01 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31923

WNC Food Supply Chain Map

This is a food system assessment tool developed by EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS). EMFS is an initiative of North Carolina State Cooperative Extension and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems based in western North Carolina.

 

In 2024, EMFS launched a new program phase in 12 regional counties and the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. A key focus of this phase includes a regional supply chain assessment to provide the structure to enhance the regional food supply chain.

 

As part of this assessment, the WNC Food Supply Chain Map can be used to navigate existing supply chain infrastructure across the 12-county region supported by EMFS. This includes the following North Carolina counties; Buncombe, Burke, Cleveland, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga, Yancey, and the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

 

This project is generously hosted in partnership with Western North Carolina Food System Coalition. Visit the WNC Food System Coalition’s website, and the WNC Food Resources Map, to learn more about food system work across the Western North Carolina region. 

 

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]]> Local Food Supply Chain Assessment https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/local-food-supply-chain-assessment/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:58:47 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31671

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) engaged with over 100 food supply chain partners to assess current needs, gaps and opportunities in the EMFS project footprint of 12 western NC counties and the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

This report presents findings from the Western North Carolina (WNC) Local Food Supply Chain Needs Assessment, highlighting the challenges, priorities, opportunities, and strategic recommendations for enhancing the economic sustainability and growth of local food system businesses and organizations. The data was gathered directly from key stakeholders, including farmers, meat and dairy processors, food hubs, commercial kitchens, and farm stands operating within the assessment area.

Thank you to the Appalachian Regional Commission, The Dogwood Health Trust and WNC Bridge Foundation for funding the Supply Chain Assessment.

Watch a webinar about the report. Passcode: d6qT%vtg

 

Click here to download

 

Click here to access the full document

 

Access the WNC Food Supply Chain Map
]]> 5- Local Food Decision Tree (ES) https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/local-food-decision-tree-es/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:55:14 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31528

COMING SOON:Local Food Decision Tree (ES), a practical tool to help early care and education centers evaluate their current food purchasing and identify opportunities to incorporate more local produce.

COMING SOON

 

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]]> 5- Local Food Decision Tree https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/local-food-decision-tree/ Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:23:38 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31482

Click here to download the Local Food Decision Tree, a practical tool to help early care and education centers evaluate their current food purchasing and identify opportunities to incorporate more local produce.

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]]> 1- Guide to Conversation with Vendors https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/conversation-with-vendors/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:43:28 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31416

Click here to download Farm to Early Care and Education Local Food Purchasing Guide, a resource designed to help centers connect with local food vendors and farmers. This guide includes key questions and considerations to support sourcing fresh, locally grown food for early childhood programs.

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]]> 2- Menu Analysis Worksheet https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/menu-analysis-worksheet/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:43:20 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31417

Click here to download the Menu Analysis Worksheet, a practical tool to help early care and education centers evaluate their current food purchasing and identify opportunities to incorporate more local produce. Use this worksheet alongside the North Carolina Produce Availability Chart to find seasonal, local options that can replace or supplement your existing menu items.

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]]> The Farm to Senior Services (F2SS): Guide to Building Networks and Local Food Pathways with Senior Centers https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/the-farm-to-senior-services-f2ss-guide-to-building-networks-and-local-food-pathways-with-senior-centers/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:20:35 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=31269

The Farm to Senior Services (F2SS): Guide to Building Networks and Local Food Pathways with Senior Centers is a practical resource for community members, service providers, and local leaders interested in strengthening food access for older adults through local agriculture. This guide offers an overview of senior food services at the federal, state, and local levels, identifies key opportunities to incorporate locally-grown foods, and provides strategies for building effective partnerships.

Click here to download the guide.

 

]]> Sample Cut Sheets: Pork https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/sample-cut-sheets-pork/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 21:17:44 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=27308

Sample Cut Sheets: Pork

This example cut sheet for pork provides suggestions that may be used as a basis for bulk or retail pork sales.

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]]> Sample Cut Sheets: Beef https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/sample-cut-sheets-beef/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 21:11:57 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=27305

Sample Cut Sheets: Beef

This example cut sheet for beef provides suggestions that may be used as a basis for bulk or retail beef sales.

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]]> How to Identify Your Ideal Customers https://cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/how-to-identify-your-ideal-customers/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 20:52:31 +0000 https://cefs.ncsu.edu/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=27299

How to Identify Your Ideal Customers

Identifying your customer is a critical step in developing a successful marketing strategy.  This document will help guide you through the basics of this process.

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