FLO History
Fair Local Organic Food (FLO) is the fruit of a seed planted seven years ago in an APPLES environmental justice course addressing the social and environmental issues of North Carolina’s hog industry. As the second largest hog-producing state in the nation, the waste from these large-scale industrial farms poses a significant threat to human and environmental health, especially in vulnerable communities. Shocked to learn of the negative consequences of this pervasive economic sector, several students took the initiative to further investigate the impacts of our food system on communities, public health and the environment. Their findings led the students to create an organization dedicated to engaging the University of North Carolina in these issues.
Although the founding members have since graduated, current members continue to build upon their legacy. Beyond our commitment to educating and empowering our fellow classmates and community members to make changes in the food system, perhaps our largest impact has been made through our partnership with Carolina Dining Services (CDS). Since 2008 FLO has held consistent biweekly meetings with the director of food and vending, the head chef, the Aramark district manager, and other key decision makers to encourage institutional purchasing and labeling of fair, local and organic foods. In 2008 FLO members successfully acted as the liaison between CDS and Cane Creek Farm to form a partnership for purchasing grass-fed beef. In 2012, FLO helped In 2009, CDS served Cane Creek Farm's grass-fed beef twice a week in both dining halls.
This business relationship has been a positive step towards innovation for CDS while increasing the economic security of Cane Creek Farm. This community-based partnership is just one example of the dedication FLO has to helping CDS be innovative in order to have both feasible and sustainable sourcing.
Although the founding members have since graduated, current members continue to build upon their legacy. Beyond our commitment to educating and empowering our fellow classmates and community members to make changes in the food system, perhaps our largest impact has been made through our partnership with Carolina Dining Services (CDS). Since 2008 FLO has held consistent biweekly meetings with the director of food and vending, the head chef, the Aramark district manager, and other key decision makers to encourage institutional purchasing and labeling of fair, local and organic foods. In 2008 FLO members successfully acted as the liaison between CDS and Cane Creek Farm to form a partnership for purchasing grass-fed beef. In 2012, FLO helped In 2009, CDS served Cane Creek Farm's grass-fed beef twice a week in both dining halls.
This business relationship has been a positive step towards innovation for CDS while increasing the economic security of Cane Creek Farm. This community-based partnership is just one example of the dedication FLO has to helping CDS be innovative in order to have both feasible and sustainable sourcing.