What is CCFA?
CCFA Past & Present
CCFA was started through training provided by the WNC Food Justice Planning Initiative, which has evolved into the WNC Food System Coalition, and is still an organization that we work closely with.
We began meeting regularly in 2021, and have worked steadily towards our goals ever since. We developed a Mission, Vision, and Core Values which guide our activites, such as holding events to bring awareness to our local farmer's markets and foodways, highlighting local food producers and farms at our general meetings, and helping to create pathways for donation of local foods to our food pantries and hot food sites.
We incorporated in NC and received our 501c3 certification from the IRS in 2024, enabling us to have a greater impact through pursuing grant funding and donations to build programs that enhance our local food system.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission: CCFA works to improve access to locally grown food in Cherokee and Clay Counties by strengthening our farmers’ markets and local food system through education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices within our community of growers and consumers.
Vision: We aim to build a resilient pathway to a sustainable local food system in Cherokee and Clay Counties.
Education: We focus on this because we want our local community to understand their local food supply, who's providing it, and how critical it is to support it. We want to help people understand what's in season in our area throughout the year, and how to make delicious meals using our locally grown foods. We also want to help connect farmers and food entrepreneurs with educational resources to help strengthen their business practices.
Core Values
Sustainability: We are committed to strengthening the connection to people, the land we depend on, and future generations. Sustainability for land through growing practices, sustainability for businesses to thrive economically and create a cyclical local food economy, creating a sustainable source of local food for those in our community who most need our support.
Community: We are part of this community and our efforts are grounded in service to all who live here. We make connections throughout our community to build relationships from farmers to foodservice, individual consumers, and other organizations helping to support community members with food-related needs.