dffn-logoOver 130 people attended a public forum in January hosted by the Durham Farm and Food Network (DFFN), a local food policy council. DFFN is a collaborative grassroots effort that aims to connect diverse residents and organizations to improve the Durham County food system. Refreshments at the public forum were provided by the Durham Co-op Market, and energy is building around the growing numbers of engaged residents, workers, businesses, local governments and organizations that have joined the network so far.

Similar local food policy councils and networks can be found across the country. There are countless reasons why members choose to get involved, and DFFN represents a wide variety of these issues. Discussions at the public forum ranged across topics including community gardens, economic development, lost farmland, and urban food deserts. And these discussions will quickly be turning into action in the coming months.

DFFN is guided by a Coordinating Council, and by four “Action Circles” focused on specific elements of the food system. Since the kick-off event in January, over 50 people have signed up to participate in Action Circles, which began meeting this month. The areas of focus are: Economy; Health; Farming and Natural Resources; and Justice & Food Security. DFFN leaders are also currently working on setting up a listserv for the Durham community to connect around food and farming issues.

To learn more about DFFN and how you can get involved, check out their website, and follow their Facebook page for news on upcoming events. Anyone who works or lives in Durham is welcome to join!

written by Laura Marie Davis, MEM ‘17