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Case Study: Food System Assessment of North Carolina Food Systems
Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council
At Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC), Food Systems Coordinator Jennifer Bedrosian works in the planning department but routinely engages with both community and economic development planning staff at PTRC. Much of her work connects her with community-based organizations and nonprofits, more so than other departments at PTRC do. PTRC helps these community-based organizations and nonprofits build connections with regional and local governments, acts as an administrator for federal grants and a convenor, and helps organizations and communities collaborate on common issues related to food. PTRC has led or been involved in many statewide food projects as well as those in its region. For example, PTRC was part of the North Carolina Growing Together (NCGT) project, a six-year (2013-2018) USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant-funded project led by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. The overarching goal was to achieve greater food security by enhancing the economic viability of small and mid-scale farms and fishing operations and their communities. The project was highly collaborative and included dozens of partners across the state. A deliverable of this project was creating the NC Local Food Infrastructure Map, a mapped inventory of businesses that serve as intermediary steps in local food supply chains across North Carolina. The map is housed on the PTRC website. PTRFC works closely with Community Food Strategies, a statewide, collaborative initiative formed in 2012 to help support the growth of food policy councils across North Carolina. Community Food Strategies leveraged the connection to Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina for funding. In 2018, PTRC was awarded a USDA NIFA grant to start up the Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council (PTRFC), develop a website, and undertake marketing around this work. The Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council formed in 2019, as a council of stakeholders representing a broad array of food system sectors and a balance of rural, urban, socio-economic, cultural, racial, and gender backgrounds from each of the 12 counties in the Piedmont Triad Region. The goals of the food council are to influence policy, promote collaboration, and strengthen food systems. Throughout 2019-2020, PTRFC worked with Carolina Creative Works to conduct a comprehensive regional food system assessment for the Triad. This work was made possible by a four-year grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. awarded in 2019 to implement a plan that promotes a more inclusive, healthier, and resilient food economy; that grant award funded the food council start-up, regional food assessment, events, and Jennifer’s position as food system coordinator.In 2021, the PTRFC completed the multi-year comprehensive data-based regional food systems analysis, centered on building equity for the region.
Jennifer has worked with a wide variety of partners on a range of food system development projects, in areas such as aging, workforce development, and more. PTRFC has begun offering feasibility studies for specific food and agriculture projects, like shared-use kitchens and food processing. PTRC’s Workforce and Economic Development department is currently under contract to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed fruit and vegetable processing facility in the Piedmont Triad. The study will analyze the viability of the processing facility, identify potential issues and make a final recommendation.
Since the food assessment, the PTRFC has met many of their regional goals with the assistance of regional partners including:
Mostly, Jennifer is letting the communities drive what is most important to them around food systems — what areas have the most energy. The PTRC and PTRFC priority is currently the Healthy Food Financing Partnership (HFFI), launching in summer 2024. Submitting this application was a response to food council input, feedback from the food system symposium, and recommendations from the regional food system assessment.
Healthy Food Financing Partnership
PTRC applied for the USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) program and was one of 16 groups across the nation awarded. HFFI’s purpose is to support food supply chain resiliency, improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities. HFFI provides financial and technical assistance to fresh, healthy food retailers and enterprises to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas.
Piedmont Triad’s HFFI initiative, Growing Food Finance in the Triad, involves implementing a new partnership with two Community Development Finance Institutions: Self-Help Credit Union and Partner Community Capital to provide capacity building around grant writing and financial readiness to fund food enterprises through credit enhancements. Priorities for Piedmont Triad’s initiative will be underserved communities, rural areas, women-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses. An advisory team will be formed to identify borrowers, assess food finance needs, engage partners and manage outreach. PTRFC was awarded $1 million in capacity building funds and $2 million for credit enhancements (interest rate buy-downs rates to make those loans less risky). In 2023, Jennifer was able to offer a Grant Readiness Workshop geared toward helping non-profits, community-based organizations, and local government partners build fundable grant applications and programs. Jennifer plans to offer several more workshops throughout the region and help people build on their food entrepreneurship ideas.
NC Local Food Infrastructure Map
The Triad’s food assessment map shows the need – high food insecurity rates – and identifies gaps and opportunities for growth and investment, including food box and food prescription programs, smaller scale infrastructure and cold storage.
The biggest regional gaps and challenges identified include:
PTRC, The Conservation Fund, and North Carolina State University submitted a USDA Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) grant to create a robust North Carolina Local Food Infrastructure Map that utilizes a community-based approach to data collection. The proposed project aims to raise awareness about food system infrastructure that can help farmers gain access to markets, address equity issues, and identify opportunities for high-impact investment in distressed communities.
PTRFC’s overall goal is to use the food assessment map to build connections among different parts of the food system. For example, how can PTRFC help to build connections to ensure enough money is paid to farmers for their fresh produce that goes into the food box/prescription. These programs are meant to support the regional economy, build farmer wealth, and make helpful community connections. Jennifer says, “It is about bringing those values into this type of work. Helping people to understand those connections and building health and wealth for all.”
Tri-COG FEEDS (Food Ecosystem Economic Development) Strategy: Central Pines Regional Council, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments and Kerr-Tarr Council of Governments
Three councils of government (COGs) are partnering on food systems work in northern North Carolina: Central Pines Regional Council (formerly Triangle J COG), Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (UCPCOG), and Kerr-Tar Council of Governments (KTCOG) under the coalition Tri-COG Feeds. The impetus behind this partnership was the understanding that purchasing food locally and keeping wealth local was an opportunity in the greater 17-county region. Specifically, demand for food in the Central Pines region, home to Durham and the growing Research Triangle area, is growing exponentially compared to outlying counties as this region’s population grows. This initiative, funded by the Economic Development Administration and the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, pulled together regional partners including local government partners, COGs, and nongovernmental organizations among other stakeholders. Tri-COG FEEDS Goals were to:
A mapping project mapped actual assets in the region, including current and aspirational supply chains in the hopes of identifying demand and demand-driven subsectors to enter. Tri-COG used the following process:
EDD’s roles are typically regional planning and coordination. For this initiative, their goals and roles include:
After the closing convening in summer 2024, after a few years of this work, the three COGs will determine where the intersection is between what local governments can invest in/inform/influence and what people in the food system need and want. Mary Jane Lyonnais, Upper Coastal Plain COG’s food system planner hopes to continue to act as a convenor for the Tri-COG region. Tri-COG will now focus on seeking implementation funding in partnership with a network of organizations across the regions. What was learned was that there is a great deal of interest in food systems work in the entire region. Mary Jane notes, “There is a potential for oversaturation without understanding demand. There’s a need for connective tissue between all the organizations in the food space. Trust building is needed.”
Lessons Learned:
¹ Legal Defense Fund. Black Farmers FAQ. https://www.naacpldf.org/case-issue/black-farmers-faq/
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Regional Development Researcher Andrew Coker joined the NADO team in March of 2023 after spending two and a half years as the Regional Economic Resiliency Coordinator at West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
At NADO, Andrew conducts research on the newest economic and community development best practices from Economic Development Districts across the country. He helps produce easily digestible information on complex regional issues through case studies, tip sheets, and research reports. Andrew also hosts training and professional development opportunities including conference sessions and virtual webinars for member regional development organizations.
Andrew is one of our Missouri-based team members and enjoys reading and training for his next triathlon.
Jack Morgan came to the NADO team in 2022 after seven years with the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a Program and Senior Program Manager. Prior to NACo, Jack was a Policy Analyst for Friends of Southwest Virginia. Jack holds a bachelor’s in geography from Emory & Henry College and a master’s in geography from Appalachian State University.
As a NADO Senior Program Manager, Jack leads capacity-building and peer-learning work supporting energy communities in economic transition, regional resilience, and recreation economies. He also helps with the EDA-Austin training program Emerging Leaders.
Jack is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) in the Regional & Intergovernmental Planning division. He also serves on the Emory & Henry College Alumni Board.
Taking road trips, reading non-fiction, and indulging in top-notch barbecue and coffee round out Jack’s days. He loves maps, mountains, and of course, all things sports.
Karron Grant joined the NADO team in 2023 as Administrative Specialist and is the first face (or voice) you’ll see or hear when reaching out to NADO. As Administrative Specialist, Karron manages our database and coordinates NADO event operations. He ensures members’ needs are met, contact information stays current, and NADO’s office is running efficiently.
Karron came to NADO after four years in the classroom teaching at The New Century School and Old Mill Middle North where he received the Patriot of the Year award. He attended Towson University and the University of Maryland Global Campus and holds a bachelor’s in international studies and humanities.
Visiting art galleries and museums, playing basketball and bowling, and taking in movies and music are some of Karron’s interests and hobbies.
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Laurie holds a bachelor’s in public affairs and government from Mount Vernon College and a master’s in health services administration from The George Washington University. Prior to NADO, Laurie spent time as a Field Specialist and an Eagle Staff Fund Director at First Nations Development Institute.
When she’s taking a rare reprieve from her NADO work, Laurie enjoys traveling domestically and internationally to visit friends and family.
Jamie McCormick joined the NADO team as a Policy Fellow first in 2019, then moved into her current role as Legislative Associate in 2021. As Legislative Associate, Jamie keeps NADO members apprised of any policy and regulatory issues and communicates NADO’s policy priorities to federal stakeholders and partner organizations. She is also the first stop for members with inquiries on policy issues. The planning and execution of NADO & DDAA’s annual Washington Conference is also managed by Jamie.
Jamie holds a dual bachelor’s in political science and international relations from The State University of New York College at Geneseo and a master’s in international development studies from The George Washington University. In addition to her roles at NADO, Jamie also worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association.
Outside of her NADO work, Jamie is an active volunteer with the VOLO Kids Foundation and a fundraiser for YMCA youth programs. She is also NADO’s resident baker regularly providing treats for those in NADO’s D.C. office. Traveling, taking her pup on walks, and hiking in the northeast keep Jamie busy.
Brett Schwartz began at NADO in 2012 as a Research Fellow after earning his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. The following year, he was promoted to Program Manager and has now been leading as an Associate Director since 2018. Brett is responsible for managing NADO’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), as well as researching and monitoring the latest trends in regional economic development and resilience, including best practices for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). With more than a decade of experience on the NADO team, Brett is a dynamic relationship builder helping connect and build capacity among the national network of regional development organizations.
Brett also holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s from Trinity College Dublin, as well as a certificate in mediation training. He’s a member of Catalyst Grantmakers of San Diego and Imperial Counties and was a participant in the 2021-22 Field Trips to the Future Cohort.
Brett is one of NADO’s West Coast team members residing in San Diego, CA where he enjoys spending time outdoors, attending concerts and festivals, and soaking up life as a parent of two young children.
Communications Manager Katie Allison joined the team in 2023 to lead the strategic communication efforts of NADO. Katie creates and develops print and online materials, communicates NADO’s updates to members via weekly emails, and maintains content for nado.org and NADO’s social media channels. She also works with different departments to generate new ideas and strategies to effectively describe and promote the important work NADO is doing for EDDs and RDOs across the country.
An experienced nonprofit communications professional, Katie has worked for organizations in western North Carolina for nearly a decade. She holds a bachelor’s in communications from Wingate University where she was a four-year student athlete. Katie has also completed Vision Henderson County, a comprehensive leadership development program that promotes informed and committed civic volunteerism.
Katie stays busy trying to keep up with her two young sons whom she enjoys exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with. Traveling to new and favorite places and cheering on the Atlanta Braves are some of her family’s favorite pastimes.
Senior Program Manager Ciara Ristig has been a member of the NADO team since 2021, and helps with NADO’s EDD Community of Practice, EDD staff capacity building and other grants on a range of subjects, including equity and solar energy. Before NADO, Ciara worked as a Planner for the County of Santa Barbara and an Assistant Project Manager for REM Consult. Ciara holds a bachelor’s in urban studies and French from Bryn Mawr and a master’s in urban studies from Ecole d’Urbanisme de Paris.
When she’s not traveling, you can find her outrigger paddling and serving on the board of the Blue Sky Center in New Cuyama, CA, near her home base of Santa Barbara.
Carrie Kissel has been a member of the NADO team since 2005 when she began as a Research Fellow. She later moved into the roles of Program Manager in 2006, and then Associate Director in 2011. Carrie holds a bachelor’s in anthropology from Ball State University and a master’s in public anthropology from American University. As Associate Director, Carrie oversees NADO’s work in rural transportation and rural wealth creation. She provides technical assistance and support to rural regions on transportation and economic development issues and develops training and peer exchange events on transportation issues and rural wealth creation as an economic development strategy.
Carrie is a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and secretary of TRB’s Rural Transportation Issues Coordinating Council. She is also a member of the American Anthropological Association and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology.
Reading, gardening, hiking, and kayaking are a few of Carrie’s hobbies, and she organizes and facilitates a DEI/social justice-focused book club in her community.
Melissa Levy has worked at NADO as a Regional Development Researcher since February 2023 and is the Principal Consultant at her own firm specializing in wealth-based economic development consulting. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Melissa brings a breadth of knowledge to her role as a Regional Development Researcher. Melissa provides in-depth research, coaching, and training on regional economic resilience, rural wealth creation strategies, and economic development.
Melissa is a North American Food Systems Network trained AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion (ACRE) facilitator and a WealthWorks coach, facilitator, and trainer. In addition to her professional work, Melissa serves on the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council, on the board of the Hinesburg Community Resource Center, and on the Hinesburg Economic Development Committee.
A true outdoorswoman, Melissa enjoys cross country and downhill skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as yoga, and teaching Tai Chi.
Program Manager Krishna Kunapareddy began her role with NADO in February of 2023 after 14 years of service at Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Missouri. Krishna manages NADO Research Foundation’s Planning and Environmental Linkages and Center for Environmental Excellence projects. In addition to researching and writing, Krishna also conducts virtual workshops on innovative tools and techniques related to transportation planning.
She holds an undergraduate degree from Andhra University and a master’s from JNT University in India, as well as a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Krishna is also a certified Smart Cities Academy Practitioner and holds the Location Advantage certificate from geographic information system software company ESRI.
In her spare time, Krishna volunteers with Mentors4College helping high schoolers better plan for their post-high school paths. She is also a dedicated advocate for documented H4 Dreamers.
Krystal DeLeon joined the NADO team in October of 2020 as Database & Grants Manger, but in January of 2022 transitioned to her current role as Operations Manager. Krystal keeps NADO running through behind the scenes work of invoicing, solving any database issues that may arise, producing membership reports, and much more. Her organizational skills and thorough knowledge help the NADO team operate more efficiently across all departments.
Prior to NADO, Krystal was the Conference Services Coordinator for State Services Organization. She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), a licensed realtor, and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Liberty University. When she’s not keeping NADO’s operations in order, Krystal enjoys running and rock climbing, and adventuring with her husband and son.
Senior Program Manager Bret Allphin joined NADO in April of 2022 bringing with him a wealth of knowledge after a 20-year career with Buckeye Hills Regional Council in Marietta, Ohio. In addition to his bachelor’s in political science and master’s in public affairs, Bret is licensed Geographical Information Systems Professional (GISP). He is NADO’s go-to team member for all things mapping while also supporting members with transportation and economic development technical assistance services.
An avid sports aficionado and former collegiate athlete, Bret enjoys cheering on his Cincinnati Reds, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, and improving his golf game whenever possible. Bret is an involved community member in Marietta dedicating much of his spare time to serving on local nonprofit boards.
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Joe McKinney serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Headquartered in Washington DC, NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s 500+ regional planning and development organizations.
Joe has thirty-one years of experience having served in city, county, regional, national association, and government management since 1991. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.
McKinney has provided congressional testimony on numerous occasions regarding the importance of regional development organizations in helping shape the nation’s economic growth. He is nationally recognized for promoting innovative solutions in areas such as planning and economic development, workforce development, transportation and transit, and aging services.