Publications and Resources
Take a look at the different publications and resources Community Food Lab has developed from past projects. Have any questions? Feel free to email us. Don’t forget, sharing is caring!
Moving Beyond Hunger: Comprehensive food Security Plan and Manual for Wake County
Published in May 2017
In partnership with Wake County, Wake County Public School System, NC Cooperative Extension, and Capital Area Food Network
A guide for combating food insecurity in Wake County
“With five strategies, five indicators of progress, and 41 recommended actions to undertake over three years, this Plan is built to guide action within this framework of support. It links existing efforts, leverages new leadership, and provides everyone in Wake County a roadmap to participate. Twenty- four different organizations and local government departments are identified as leading our convening partners for the Actions, and over 120 Wake County organizations are listed as Existing or Potential Partners.”
Triangle Farms for Food: Strategy + Action Plan
Published November 2016
Comprehensive approach to protecting, supporting, and advancing agriculture, while build a strong local food economy.
“The Triangle region is expanding at a pace never
seen here before. With this growth, the future of the
Triangle’s farmland, rural heritage, and farm economy
is threatened. From the western corners of Chatham
and Orange Counties to the eastern reaches of
Johnston County, complex and accelerating pressures
are putting farmland at risk. The preservation of
farmland and the continued relationships between
Triangle residents and Triangle farmers will depend
on system change that makes farming, farmers,
and farmland part of a shared future where growth
and preservation find innovative paths to common
ground.”
Eat Good, Feel Good, Program Guide to Creating Healthy Corner Stores
Published June 2014
Healthy corner store guide for your community
“When we say corner store, we mean a small food store that you might call a convenience store, a country store, a tienda, a bodega, or a mini-mart. When we say Healthy Corner Store, we mean a corner store that has made a commitment to add healthy food options to their shelves. This matters because in food deserts these corner stores are often the only walkable or convenient source of groceries, but mostly they don’t sell healthy food. If corner stores can be converted, people that struggle to put healthy meals together will have more
options. Usually corner stores are independently owned and relatively small, though sometimes a chain store like a dollar store can be an important place to combat food deserts as a Healthy Corner Store, especially in rural areas where food stores of any size may be few and far between.”
#1. Farms & Gardens Build Urban Value
Published March 2014
Have you ever needed to explain why urban farms and gardens are important for cities?
“As soon as open city spaces are recognized as opportunities to grow urban value through farms and gardens, incredible potential is tapped to bring benefit and add value to neighborhoods and cities. Healthy urban agriculture brings social, economic, and ecological benefit to cities, with typically high returns on investment.
We want this booklet to inspire city officials, non-profits, developers, investors, and other urban influencers to add community gardens, urban farms, and all sorts of food growing spaces into our cities. Farms and gardens can be social public spaces, public health assets, crime prevention projects, municipal cost savers, air purifiers, recreation areas, and job training centers. ”
#2. Landscape to Table: a Guide to Edible Outdoor Spaces
Published July 2014
Sponsored by Come Alive Outside, the North Carolina Green Industry Council, and Greenscape Inc.
Do you need to show someone that landscapes can be fun, engaging and edible spaces?
“Landscapers have the ability to change the way people interact with their environment and with each other. Plant choices, maintenance plans, and conversing with landowners are all ways to connect landscape expertise with people’s outdoor experiences.
One big way to make serious change in people’s outside habits? Bring edible plants into all kin ds of landscapes. Incorporating edibles into landscapes encourages people to spend more time outside, to engage with the environment, to relax and to eat more healthy foods.”