One of the Foremost Food System Analysts in U.S. to Present Findings about Local Foods Potential to Build Wealth & Health in North Alabama

Every year Alabamians spend billions of dollars on food. What we eat directly impacts our health. It also has the potential to improve our economy and support jobs at each phase of the food system. This means jobs on farms, in vegetable and meat processing facilities, creameries, breed stock operations, equipment dealers, distribution centers, groceries, restaurants, plus feed, seed and compost suppliers.

To gauge the economic potential of locally grown food, the Food Bank of North Alabama commissioned the North Alabama Local Farm and Food Economy study from a national expert Ken Meter of Crossroads Resource Center. 

Meter will present the results of this study at a public presentation.

Local Foods: Potential to Build Wealth & Health in Alabama

Presentation by Ken Meter

6:00 PM

Thursday, February 16^th, 2012

Huntsville City Council Chambers

308 Fountain Circle, Huntsville, AL 35801

For questions, call             256-655-8585       or email kstrickland@fbofna.org

Meter has performed studies of local food economies in 78 regions across 30 states.  He is considered one of the foremost food system analysts in the U.S.

Highlights of the North Alabama Local Farm and Food Economy illustrate the potential to turn outflows of wealth from our economy into significant gains.

• North Alabama consumers spend $2.4 billion buying food each year – of which approximately $2.2 billion is sourced outside the region. 
• Medical costs for treating diet-related diseases like diabetes and related conditions in North Alabama are estimated at $594 million per year.

This represents a significant turnaround opportunity to improve health outcomes and retain wealth in our region through local foods.

This free presentation is a community-wide opportunity to explore local foods as a catalyst for health and wealth creation in north Alabama.

The event is hosted by the Food Bank of North Alabama, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments & theNorth Alabama Food Policy Council Steering Committee.