Carleton Food Alliance

About Carleton Food Alliance

The Carleton Food Alliance was formed in the fall of 2012 in an effort to connect food and agriculture groups on and off campus. It strives to promote health and well being, food literacy, and to support the local food shed.
  • Location:
    Southern Minnesota, Northfield

History and Mission

The Carleton Food Alliance was formed in the fall of 2012 in an effort to connect food and agriculture groups on and off campus.  The purpose of this committee is:

  • to create space for increased collaboration between all groups so as not to duplicate efforts and draw on our collective strengths
  • to publicize each others events for optimal campus and community participation
  • to create long term goals that we can collectively work on that will advance the food movement locally

Goals

The long term goal of the Food Alliance is Community Food Systems Resilience. This concept is defined by the following components:

1. Health and Well-Being

Individuals' ability to provide for themselves and their family's physical and psychological health.

2. Food Literacy

Education about and understanding of food preparation and consumption skills including cooking, knowledge about where food comes from, and multi-cultural food awareness and access.

3. Sustainable, Local Food Shed

Agricultural system that is secure and sovereign both ecologically and economically.

Meetings and Membership

Meetings are held nine times per academic year on Thursdays from 12pm to 1pm (common time) while classes are in session. Meetings are open to the public with representation from certain groups holding permanent seats. The following groups are currently represented:

  • Carleton Student Organic Farm
  • Bon Appetit
  • Dining Board
  • CCCE Volunteer Programs, including CAC Food Shelf, Food Recovery, Green Thumbs, Young Chefs
  • Center for Community and Civic Engagement Staff, including Coordinators for Food and Sustainability
  • Sustainability at Carleton, including Food Sustainability Assistants
  • Environmental Studies Food & Agriculture Faculty
  • Food Truth
  • Firebellies
  • Real Food Challenge and Real Food Calculator
  • Just Food Co-op (Northfield)

Current Projects

The Food Alliance is currently working on an experiential food curriculum for Carleton. A Food Policy Sub-Committee has begun drafting a Multi-Year Action Plan and Food Policy at Carleton.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Caroline Carty or Erica Zweifel to get involved!