The Power of Local Fruits and Vegetables to Change

the World

North Carolina Cooperative Extension ServiceFoothills Fresh – a local foods initiative

Foothills Fresh is a

• Combined effort of farmers and NC Cooperative Extension staff in six counties

The evolution of Foothills Fresh

- Farmers like farming not marketing! - 11% of residents are new to the area.

- Many adults and children are obese in part due to poor nutrition choices and lack of physical activity.

- We have an abundance of quality agricultural products and agricultural tourism experiences.

Who are the Foothills Fresh farms?

• 60 farms & farmers markets in the

6 county area• From asparagus to vineyards; pasture

raised beef to ostrich• Road side stands, you pick farms or you

cut Christmas trees.• Child friendly educational opportunities• Our heritage and our future

The goal: increase local farm income by promoting intake of

local vegetables, fruits, and farm products

Direct Market Concepts

• Nutrition & Flavor• Health• Environment• Diversity• Economy• Heritage• Security • Growth/Government• Community• Family

Nutrition & Flavor

Fresh tastes better!

Health

Environment

Diversity

Economy

Heritage

Security

Community

Growth &

Government

Family

Methods Change

• Brochure• Website• Fresh Find email

updates• Blog• Articles• Daycare training• Tours

www.foothillsfresh.com

Farm Tours