The 10% Campaign

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is committed to building North Carolina's sustainable local food economy. Through its Farm to Fork initiative and action guide, CEFS has energized and connected thousands of North Carolinians and hundreds of local, regional and statewide organizations that share this commitment. To further this commitment, CEFS is readying a statewide "10% Campaign" to encourage consumers to buy/grow local foods. The intent of the 10% Campaign is straightforward: Encourage consumers to commit 10 percent of their existing food dollars to support local food producers, related businesses and communities. Funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, the 10% Campaign will: •Promote North Carolina's farmers, foods, communities and businesses •Educate consumers, decision makers and the media •Collaborate further with the many influential organizations/initiatives already in the field and those just beginning to bloom Why 10 percent? It is achievable for most, and meaningful for all: •North Carolinians spend about $35 billion a year on food. If individuals spent 10 percent—$1.05 per day—locally, about $3.5 billion would be available in the local economy. •The state has the 12th highest rate of adult obesity in the nation, and today, more than a third of its 10- to 17-year-olds are overweight or obese. Infusing fresh and flavorful fruits and vegetables into diets at every age can significantly reduce long-term health care expenses in the state. •Expanding the market will result in new farm, food and manufacturing businesses and create jobs. Charlotte-based Compass Group, the world's largest foodservice company, and North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service are working with CEFS to develop the initial and long-term components of the campaign. Compass Group will lead the way for institutional consumers by working with CEFS to develop a model "farm to institution" buying program and by sourcing 10 percent of the produce it serves in its North Carolina foodservice accounts from local farmers. Cooperative Extension will designate regional directors and local food coordinators in all 100 counties to advance the 10% Campaign. These on-the-ground experts will be joined by other community leaders, farmers, businesses, parents, teachers and students, many of whom are already working to build the state's sustainable local food economy, from farm to fork. A tool being developed to support the campaign is an exciting Web portal and social networking platform. These technology-based initiatives promote, educate and engage consumers and producers by connecting them with organizations and real-time information. The 10% Campaign Web site will also assist consumers in tracking their food dollars spent on buying or growing local foods. Make the choice. Make a difference. Make it local. Join the 10% Campaign! Sign up now to be one of the Campaign's first supporters! Look for 10% Compaign on Facebook!