Welcome!

We’re challenging you to spend 10 percent of your existing food dollars to support North Carolina food producers, businesses and communities. Join the 10% Campaign today!



Why 10 Percent?

It is achievable for most and meaningful for all:

  • We spend about $35 billion a year on food. If we spent 10 percent - $1.05 per day locally - approximately $3.5 billion would be available in the local economy.
  • A vibrant local food economy will support farms, food and manufacturing businesses and create jobs.
  • Infusing fresh and flavorful fruits and vegetables into diets can significantly reduce diet-related diseases and long-term health care expenses for everyone.

Here's How it Works

Join the campaign! Register and pledge to spend 10 percent of your food budget on foods produced/grown locally.

  • Explore this site to learn where you can buy/grow local foods. We will track and post 10% Campaign partnerships, initiatives, news events and happenings.
  • Connect with the thousands of North Carolinians and organizations/initiatives already in the field and those just beginning to bloom.
  • Track your progress and ours. Once you register, we'll send you a weekly email asking a few important questions about your progress.

Help Us Grow

The 10% Campaign is committed to success through education, promotion and collaboration. We are working with organizations, businesses, governments and just about any other group you can think of to encourage participation, “farm to” buying programs and growing your own. Suggestions for partnership are welcome!

Encourage your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to join the 10% Campaign and build North Carolina's local food economy while enjoying the greatness of North Carolina food.



The 10% Core Team

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is leading the 10% Campaign. Through its 2009 Farm to Fork initiative and resulting action guide, CEFS has energized and connected thousands of North Carolinians determined to build our local food economy. Grant funding for the 10% Campaign is provided by the Golden LEAF Foundation. CEFS is working with North Carolina Cooperative Extension and Charlotte-based Compass Group, the world's largest foodservice company, to develop the early and long-term components of the campaign.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents are supporting the 10% Campaign by acting as local foods coordinators in all 100 counties. Working with other community leaders, farmers, businesses, local governments, parents, teachers and students, and others, these on-the-ground experts are:

  • Encouraging farmers and businesses to increase their capacities; and helping to grow new farmers;
  • Promoting local foods, food producers and related businesses within their communities;
  • Supporting “backyard farmers” and community gardens;
  • Connecting farms to schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, health organizations and many more.

Compass Group will lead the way for institutional consumers by working with CEFS to develop a model “farm-to-institution” buying program and by sourcing 10 percent of the produce it serves in its North Carolina foodservice accounts from local farmers.