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INTRODUCTION I. Context and goals Food touches the life of every Cabarrus County citizen. By looking at issues of public concern, such as unemployment, urban sprawl, chronic disease, carbon emissions, and food safety, through a "food lens" we can understand ways in which the food system impacts communities, including the areas of public health, natural resource protection, economic development and agriculture. Across North Carolina local governments are examining food systems with an eye toward making them more local and sustainable. By definition, sustainable food systems are integrated to enhance the economic, environmental, social and nutritional health of a particular place. In its state action guide, "From Farm to Fork: A Guide to Building North Carolina's Sustainable Local Food Economy," the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) identifies the many benefits these systems offer to N.C. communities. Examples include increased economic activity at the community level —which leads to job opportunities — greater food safety and security, and improved health outcomes. Viable local food systems can also harness consumer spending to support N.C. producers. The Cabarrus Board of Commissioners has made it a priority to establish the County as a sustainable community, one that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Commissioners agree a local food system that fosters local production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food in Cabarrus County is at the heart of a sustainable community. A food system assessment can provide a valuable strategic planning tool that highlights the connections between food, health, natural resource protection, economic development and agriculture. Currently no comprehensive evaluation of the food system and its impact on quality of life, health and nutrition, economic vitality, local self - reliance, and environmental sustainability exists for Cabarrus County. Numerous people in the County work within the food system: farmers, food retailers, health professionals, school officials, community- and faith -based organizations, and various City and County staff. A food system assessment will help increase awareness of the ways members of the community contribute to the food system. It will also identify opportunities for collaboration and coordination, which can increase sustainability throughout the system. The purpose of the study is two -fold. First, it will provide an initial evaluation — including key baseline information —of the food system in Cabarrus County and, where appropriate, the surrounding region. Second, by highlighting the assets and challenges within different food system segments, we can identify strategies for building the County's local sustainable food system. This will include identifying opportunities for economic growth within the County's local food system and increasing consumption of locally grown and raised foods. 2 Attachment number 2 G -4 Page 511