Current Projects
County Food Assessment
The Oconee Food Council (OFC) is currently overseeing a county food assessment (CFA) to identify gaps and assets in the local food system as a central step in the food council development process. This baseline assessment will focus on three primary areas: (1) community health and food education, (2) food access and insecurity, and (3) historical analysis of the county food system. A team of community members has formed around this initiative under the leadership of OFC members Misty Lee, our assessment chair, and Mike Harlin, who is over the food access and insecurity component of the CFA.
Anyone interested in supporting this work may reach out directly to our OFC secretary, Erin Ramos ( e.sumner83@gmail.com ) for more information about the assessment and opportunities to contribute to this effort.
Community Food Gatherings
Starting in March 2022, six events called “community food gatherings” (CFGs) will be held across the county to give the OFC greater insight on the local food environment. These gatherings will give residents an opportunity to share a meal together and engage in meaningful conversation about policy, systems, and environmental barriers to accessing nutritious food in their community. This effort is a partnership of multiple organizations, including the Oconee Cultivation Project and Empower Oconee, and “community champions” working together to ensure their communities are adequately represented and heard.
Anyone interested in learning more about these events or supporting this work can reach out directly to our CFG subcommittee chair, Lorilei Swanson ( lorileiswanson@gmail.com ) of the Carolina Family Engagement Center for information and opportunities to volunteer.