OUR MISSION
The mission of the South Carolina Food Systems Network is to build an equitable, accessible, and economically diverse, local food system in South Carolina by promoting multi-sectoral collaboration, community-based programming, and policy change.
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
Beginning in March 2005, volunteers formed a steering committee to begin the discussion and exploration of creating a statewide food policy council that would work towards the improvement and expansion of healthier and more informed food choices by South Carolinians. As a result of the steering committee findings, on March 17, 2006, the SC Food Policy Council (SCFPC) held its first general membership meeting and continued to meet throughout the year. The SCFPC experienced a shift to extend membership beyond just state agencies and NGO's to individuals, hence the transformation to the SC Food Systems Network.
SCFSN serves as a forum for members to share their concerns as well as their progress on related programs and initiatives that are related to the food system in South Carolina. The networking opportunities and the information shared at these meetings have greatly benefited many of the members of the Network as they work towards the goals of continued growth, promotion and protection of a healthy agricultural industry, a safe and plentiful food supply, and a vibrant food system in South Carolina.
Board Members
Weatherly Thomas, Chair
Clemson Cooperative Extension
Jesse Blom, Vice Chair
The Green Heart Project
Miko Pickett, Non-Voting Member
Pick 42 Foundation
Michael Brown
Roots of Life Cafe, Farms, and Gardens
Paola Gutierrez
South Carolina Office of Rural Health
Ken Harvin
South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development
Jim Johnson, Non-voting Member
South Carolina State Small Business Development Center
Matt Kneece
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
Jesse Leadbetter
Freshlist & South Carolina Food Hub Network
Kyle Player
Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship, South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Dr. Carolyn A. Prince
Earth Seed Farm, LLC and Our Children-Their Future, Inc.
Ivan Segura
South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs