In 2008, the first “Come to the Table Guidebook” was released. Claire Hermann, Laura Beach, and Chris Liu-Beers of the North Carolina Council of Churches were the contributors. The original “Guidebook” created the framework for the Come to the Table conferences that have been held every two years since. The authors collected stories from across North Carolina about congregations finding innovative ways to relieve hunger and support local food production, highlighting the work of groups making a connection between two vulnerable populations in our state – farmers and food insecure people. The “Guidebook” also included reflections from faith leaders as well as several assessment tools for congregations to identify the needs and resources in their community.
In February, the second “Come to the Table Guidebook” was released. It is co-authored by RAFI, the NC Council of Churches, and Resourceful Communities and includes snapshots of community groups that have pioneered innovative food access work, the current status of hunger and agriculture in North Carolina and nationally, along with new resources and stories from faith leaders and from the field. Included in the “Guidebook” is an overview and sample from the Council’s updated food curriculum, “Eating Well.” The “Guidebook” is available to download free of charge.
