At Just Foods Collaborative, we’re committed to building a stronger, more equitable local food system in the Twin Counties. That means working together to identify, assess, and strengthen the food value chains that connect our farmers, buyers, and communities.

Here’s how we’re making it happen:

• Investing in farmers—especially farmers and growers of color—by supporting on-farm infrastructure that helps them thrive.

• Harnessing the power of community institutions like child care centers, schools, and food-buying organizations to increase collective purchasing power and keep more dollars local.

• Connecting local growers with consumers through programs like the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, ensuring fresh, healthy food reaches the people who need it most.

• Strengthening relationships between growers and buyers so that local food can move more efficiently from farm to table.

• Mapping our local food system to better understand and share the resources, connections, and opportunities that exist.

At Just Foods Collaborative, we believe everyone in the Twin Counties should have access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food—where they live, work, play, and worship.

Here’s how we’re working to make that a reality:

• Supporting community gardens and farms with the supplies and materials they need to keep growing fresh, local food.

• Helping families stretch their food dollars by promoting Double Up Bucks at farmers’ markets and piloting innovative programs like Produce Prescription Programs.

• Partnering with community-based organizations to strengthen the Healthy Opportunities Program and ensure more people can benefit.

• Listening to and learning from our local Food Pantry Network to identify gaps and explore how Just Foods can provide meaningful support in Nash and Edgecombe Counties.

• Piloting a Shared Gifting Initiative to empower and sustain community-driven food access programs.

At Just Foods Collaborative, we know that knowledge is power—especially when it comes to building a stronger, more just local food system. That’s why we’re committed to educating our community about nutrition security, sustainable food practices, food equity, and more.

Here’s how we’re educating the public:

• Creating a social media presence to share resources, opportunities, and stories that empower Twin County residents.

• Supporting hands-on learning by funding apprenticeships that allow students to gain real-world experience working on farms and in gardens.

• Showing up for our community by ensuring Just Foods representatives participate in at least three local events.

• Bringing local food to community gatherings through farm tours, fresh produce giveaways, and other meaningful connections.

• Hosting trainings on critical topics like food justice, food equity, and the broader food system to deepen our shared understanding and advocacy.

By equipping our neighbors with knowledge and opportunities, we’re building a more informed, engaged, and empowered community—one that can take action for a fair and sustainable food future.

At Just Foods Collaborative, we’re excited to take on our newest goal—supporting good food policies and advocacy efforts to create lasting change in our community. By building relationships with local leaders and ensuring food policy is prioritized in city, county, state, and institutional plans, we’re working to shape a more just and sustainable food system for the Twin Counties.

Here’s how we’re making an impact:

• Building relationships with local leaders and elected officials to ensure food policy remains a priority.

• Advocating for a formal resolution that recognizes Just Foods Collaborative & Food Council as a trusted voice in shaping food-related policies.

• Partnering with existing food policy organizations to support and advance policies that promote food equity and access.

• Incorporating urban agriculture and land preservation language into city and county plans, including the Rocky Mount Comprehensive Plan.

• Participating in policy & advocacy trainings to strengthen our collective voice and influence.

By stepping into the policy space, we’re ensuring that good food policies aren’t just ideas—they become reality. Together, we’re creating a food system that truly works for everyone.