Food Justice Cohort

The Food Justice Cohort (FJC) is made up of BIPOC and grassroots leaders from the local food system community. Together, their goal is to guide equitable access and distribution of Wake County Food Security Plan funding as Wake County works to move to a more resilient local food system. Members are compensated for their time and develop frameworks, rubrics, and priorities for projects outlined in the plan. For example, they helped design the application process, define evaluation criteria, and review applications for the Communal Gardens Support Grant, which falls under Strategy Two of the Plan.

The FJC is funded for three years in partnership with Community Food Strategies and the Wake County Manager's Office - DEI Division. The DEI Division plays a crucial role in supporting the FJC, particularly in ensuring that funding is equitably distributed and that historically marginalized communities are empowered to lead and access resources. The work of the FJC aligns with the DEI office's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by building a resilient and diverse community, addressing systemic inequities in food access, and ensuring that our efforts in the Wake County 2023 Food Security Plan are equitable. Through these partnerships, we aim to create a more just, sustainable, and equitable food system for all. This collaboration aims to channel resources toward communities in need and empower community-led organizations to spearhead initiatives that enhance their local environment. The FJC aims to:

  • increase equitable access to funding for BIPOC & community-led organizations

  • enhance the capacity of small nonprofits to navigate government funding

  • provide recommendations for funding process changes to promote equitable access in Wake County

the goal is to direct funds to communities in need and empower community-led organizations to take the lead in improving their communities.

Resources and News

 

Fertile Ground Event!

Register here for a learning opportunity led by an FJC member.

 

Learn more about the work of FJC members: