Effects on the Economy
"Only 14% of money spent at chain retailers stays in the local economy, compared to 48% of money spent at independent businesses. Through operations, jobs and community initiatives, money spent at local businesses stays in the local economy, while 86% of money spent at chain retailers leaves the community. Therefore, shopping locally benefits more than just a store, as that money is reinvested back into the community, enriching other businesses and consumers alike." Source: https://bit.ly/3AtDwNW
How WNC Farm to Table Came to Be
A woman. Her car. Two coolers.
Over six years ago, a seed of an idea was planted. It blossomed in August 2020, spurred by the pandemic and a timely opportunity. WNC Farm to Table started humbly, delivering local delicacies to a select few restaurants and occasionally to The Community Table. This wasn't our initial vision, but let's circle back to that.
The pivot was influenced by the burgeoning local food scene in downtown Sylva. The Wine Bar, freshly revamped under new ownership, was eager to champion local produce. Ilda, an Italian eatery helmed by a Michelin-trained chef, was taking shape. The chef at Bear Lake Reserve's Lake Club was keen on incorporating more local ingredients. It was the perfect moment to demonstrate that local food wasn't just confined to farmers markets and farm stands.
Empowering Mountain Food Systems equipped WNC Farm to Table with two large coolers and the foundation for our online platform. With these tools and a clear vision, Lisa McBride embarked on her journey, armed with a list of culinary desires from local chefs.
Fast forward thirteen months, and our restaurant sales projections were surpassed with ease. By the start of 2021, our wholesale sales exceeded $80K, and a few more eateries were eager to collaborate. In 2022, our Mill Street storefront celebrated wholesale sales surpassing $150K.
All this achieved by one determined woman, her trusty car, and a pair of coolers.
Now, our attention returns to our original mission. Our online marketplace welcomes the residents of Jackson County, North Carolina. Our mantra? "Local Food for Everyone."
From the outset, our blueprint included a philanthropic dimension: an entity to bolster the ordering system and address food insecurity, plus keeping farmers farming. This framework fosters a community that aids farmers and producers in navigating the myriad of assistance programs available in the realm of farming and food production.
The inspiration? Observing that an additional market day at the Jackson County Farmers Market didn't necessarily attract more patrons, even with the enticing Double Up Food Bucks program. While farmers markets symbolize local food, they aren't always accessible to everyone. Many stands and markets don't even accept SNAP/EBT.
Farmers markets, though valuable, present challenges for producers. They harvest, bake, and transport their goods without any guarantee of sales, leading to potential revenue losses. WNC Farm to Table offers a solution by allowing pre-sales, ensuring a more consistent and lucrative income. And yes, we've introduced a Third Thursday Farmers Market to bridge the community with our dedicated farmers and producers because farmers markets are the face of local food, as they should be.
The pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions highlighted the fragility of a food system reliant on distant shipping. While we don't aim to replace grocery stores, a robust local food system offers a resilient alternative, bolstering producers and invigorating the local economy.
In 2022, we expanded our horizons. WNC Farm to Table began delivering boxes of local food to Vecinos Farmworker Health Program's clients. This initiative, is in the middle of running for a two year stretch, is part of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's FarmsShare program, backed by the USDA's Local Food Procurement Act. We have also added HomeBase, Kidzcare, The Community Table and Feeding the Multitudes to the organizations that we serve with this funding.
Our commitment remains unwavering: to provide local food at prices below retail, ensuring that the residents of Jackson County get more value for their money.
So this happened...
WNC Farm to Table Among Latest Backing Small Businesses Grant Recipients
On Wednesday, June 14, Main Street America and American Express announced the next round of recipients for the Backing Small Businesses grant program.
WNC Farm to Table, based in Sylva, NC was among the winners.
Founder and Executive Director Lisa McBride was shocked when she received notice that WNC Farm to Table was one of the recipients of this grant. It couldn’t come at a better time when the organization is working to expand cold storage and opening the online ordering system for retail and wholesale customers while continuing to work with food insecurity issues through Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s FarmsSHARE program. Plus, WNC Farm to Table recently started a producer-only evening farmers market in downtown Sylva with live music and food trucks. These funds will help support continuing this work.
In 2021, American Express and Main Street America created the grant program to support U.S. small business owners as they recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and looked to grow their businesses. In its first year, the program provided $1.65 million in grants to 330 small business owners nationwide.
In its second year, the program increased both grants awarded and total funding to further support small business U.S. small business owners in addressing critical needs. Small business grants of $5,000 were awarded to 350 small businesses in the U.S. and territories.
In partnership with Bunker Labs, CARE, Center for Community Progress, Disability:IN, HIAS, Hispanic Federation, National ACE (National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship), NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), and Small Business Majority, grantees were selected based on feasibility of project implementation; how the grant would help improve the viability of the business; and the extent to which the grant will help address an acute business need or help a business owner overcome challenges.
This program marks the latest effort in American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to U.S. small business owners. Other Backing Small programs include the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and Backing Historic Small Restaurants. Backing Small complements American Express’ Shop Small, a global year-round movement to spotlight small, independent businesses.
To learn more about the Backing Small Businesses grant program and hear from past grantees, click here.
About our Board - More information coming soon
John Herrera
Interim Director
I am a paralegal who has seven dogs and three cats who I love dearly. I enjoy cooking, and gaming. I am proud to be a part of this board and to be assisting with its mission to provide easier access to local food. I understand the positive economic, social and environmental effects when we use local ingredients.