Fall Lunch and Learn Series: Connecting Producers and Consumers Through Local Food Education
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6-Part Virtual Lunch and Learn Series
Introducing Connecting Producers and Consumers through Local Food Education, a 6-part virtual lunch and learn series. In this series, participants will learn about urban agriculture and Mecklenburg County’s local food system, local food market channels, consumers’ and producers’ roles and responsibilities, starting an agribusiness, and ways to prepare and preserve local ingredients!
Join us every Tuesday @ 12 p.m. from 9/16 to 10/21
Why attend?
- To boost your knowledge of local foods
- Gain practical skills in food preparation, preservation, and entrepreneurship
- Support a stronger local food system in Mecklenburg County
Discover how you can connect with fresh, local foods—and be part of building a thriving food community!
Session Information
Session 1: Words Matter: Communicating Agriculture in the Urban Food System
Global development is changing how urban food systems are understood and communicated. A major issue is the lack of a standardized definition for “urban agriculture,” even among federal entities. Similarly, “local foods” within urban systems aren’t clearly operationalized. Such disconnects hinder impact measurement, risking stakeholder support and client engagement. This presentation aims to clarify “urban agriculture” and “local foods.” Through dialogue, participants will learn how these terms are understood in Mecklenburg County and why clear communication between consumers and producers is vital.
Register: PCLFE1.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, 9/16 @ 12 p.m.
Session 2: Producers and Consumers are the Foundation of a Local Food System
A sustainable local food system relies on active participation from both growers and consumers. In this Lunch and Learn session, you will discover the roles that producers and consumers play within Mecklenburg County’s food system. Topics will include the skills required to be a successful local food producer (with a special focus on urban agriculture), the challenges and pressures faced by urban farmers, and the role and responsibilities of consumers. Join us to learn how you can contribute to a thriving and ever-growing local food system.
Register: PCLFE2.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, 9/23 @ 12 p.m.
Session 3: Planning Your Agribusiness: From Backyard to Business
Building on what we learned about local food markets, this one-hour lunch and learn session focuses on how to plan and sustain a small food or farm enterprise in Mecklenburg County. Participants will explore how to align their goals with available market opportunities, whether selling through CSAs, farmers markets, or other direct-to-consumer models. We’ll also discuss how to take a business-minded approach to home-based production, including basic planning steps, navigating food safety and value-added regulations, and preparing for growth. This session is ideal for growers, home cooks, and food entrepreneurs who want to deepen their connection to the local food economy and better understand how producers and consumers shape it together.
Register: PCLFE3.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, 9/30 @ 12 p.m.
Session 4: Preparing Local Foods
Ok great, I’ve learned about what food is available during our seasons & how to purchase it, but now how do I safely prepare it for consumption? How can I make local food delicious & have it still be nutritious? At N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center, we have cooking demos at our local farmers markets & create dishes featuring local food that inspire both producers & consumers. In this lunch & learn session, participants will learn ways on how to find inspiration to incorporate local foods into your existing diet, to prepare these local foods in delicious & nutritious ways, and basic food safety. This session will also feature a food demonstration of a seasonal ingredient. This session is ideal for anyone interested in tapping into their creativity in the kitchen.
Register: PCLFE4.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, 10/7 @ 12 p.m.
Session 5: Consumer’s Role in Buying Local
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of local food systems. These systems, which emphasize the production, distribution, and consumption of food within a specific region, offer numerous benefits, including fresher produce, reduced environmental impact, and stronger local economies. However, the success of local food systems heavily depends on the active participation of consumers. Here’s a closer look at how consumers play a crucial role in supporting and sustaining local food systems.
Register: PCLFE5.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, 10/14 @ 12 p.m.
Session 6: Preserving Local Foods
Now that I can prepare it, what happens if I have surplus? How can I enjoy local foods in the off season? There are many benefits to preserving your food & N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center, wants to make sure that you are minimizing the risk around food preservation. In this lunch & learn session, participants will learn why you should preserve your food, types of food preservation, get introduced to safe canning practices, & resources available for making sure you are safely preserving. This session is ideal for anyone interested in learning the basics of food preservation.
Register: PCLFE6.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, 10/21 @ 12 p.m.
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, and veteran status.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, {N.C. Cooperative Extension or NC State} will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Dr. Barbara Worley, barbara_worley@ncsu.edu. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event.