Title
Establish a Local Foods Production and Distribution Center in Mecklenburg County
Action
ACTION:
Receive as information a proposal to establish a local foods production and distribution center in Mecklenburg County
Staff Contact: Dena R. Diorio, County Manager
Presentation: Yes
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
COVID-19 has impacted the community in a variety of ways. One of the most significant effects of COVID is its disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic communities. The pandemic highlighted already existing health inequities and disparities in our community. While ready access to quality health care is one component of this problem, lack of access to healthy food is just as significant in contributing to the health inequities in Mecklenburg County. Over 15% of households in Mecklenburg County are food insecure. That means they have a reduced quality and variety of diet, may eat less, and their eating patterns are disrupted due to lack of money and resources. Both the COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Task Force Report and the Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Strategic Recovery Plan site food security as a critical problem to solve to ensure we are a resilient community post the pandemic.
Carolina Farm Trust is proposing to establish a local foods production and distribution center in Mecklenburg County, specifically on South Hoskins Road on Charlotte’s west side. The center would provide a reliable source of fresh, affordable foods, support independent local farmers, and provide educational opportunities and employment pathways. The center would also be an important component of the supply chain needed to support other food security initiatives under development.
Carolina Farm Trust is requesting $3 million from the County to support the renovation of the site on South Hoskins Road. We are recommending that ARPA funds be utilized for this purpose as projects related to food security and health disparities are eligible uses under the ac...
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