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SOUTHEAST REGIONAL
FOOD COUNCIL

Food Council One-pager

Our Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

Increase access to locally-grown and healthy food for community members, increase profitability of area farmers and farm businesses, shift the culture around food in the region, and support infrastructure development and business innovation around local foods.

Vision

Equitable access to nutritious and affordable food for all community members of the southeast counties, supported by a community-driven, place-based food system of thriving farmers, entrepreneurs, and local food infrastructure.

Values

The Southeast Regional Food Council is guided by collaboration, equity, education, integrity, and sustainability. We work together to share knowledge, uplift community voices, support farmers, and ensure all residents have access to affordable, healthy, locally grown food while building a resilient regional food system.

Who We Are

The Southeast Regional Food Council brings together a diverse group of community members, organizations, and leaders who are committed to strengthening the regional food system and improving access to healthy, locally-grown food.

Farmers & growers

Nonprofit organizations

Cooperative extension

Faith-based leaders

Youth & Families

Local government officials

Economic developers

Restaurant owners

Food pantry staff

Planning departments

Teachers

Public health professionals

Community Advocates

Current Focus Areas

The Southeast Regional Food Council focuses on key initiatives that strengthen the regional food system, support farmers, and expand access to healthy food for communities across southeast counties.

Farmers Market Improvements

Improve inclusivity and accessibility of farmers markets; including mobile markets to reach seniors and rural residents. Increase public engagement with local farmers markets.

Engaging youth

Support youth leadership, jobs, and internships while creating opportunities for youth to learn about and participate in healthy, local food practices. Engaging youth should and will include and impact families.

Shifting the culture around food

Promote culturally-relevant ways to increase healthy nutritious food consumption, access, and affordability.

Prepared meals infrastructure

Increase access to convenient, affordable, prepared meals using local ingredients, supporting both consumers and local farmers

Education & Nutrition

Is a core focus that runs through all our work, ensuring every initiative promotes learning, healthy habits, and informed choices for our communities.

How We Work

The Southeast Regional Food Council brings together representatives from across the region to collaborate, share knowledge, and guide initiatives that strengthen the local food system.
  • We convene on a bi-monthly basis in either a fully virtual or fully in-person format
  • A small coordinating and leadership team supports the council’s work.
  • Responsibilities include agenda development, note taking, meeting logistics, calendar invites, and outreach
  • 1–2 representatives from each county participate in the council
  • The coordinating team meets between council meetings to support continued progress
Learn More About the Council

Council Members

The Southeast Regional Food Council is made up of community leaders, farmers, organizations, and advocates working together to strengthen the regional food system. Members represent a diverse range of sectors and communities across the region.
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Jane Smith

Robeson County Cooperative Extension

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Jane Smith

Robeson County Cooperative Extension

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Jane Smith

Robeson County Cooperative Extension