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Food

Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I’m pleased to announce the North Carolina Council of Churches has a new curriculum in the works! “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet” is an introduction to the issues surrounding the way we grow, harvest, and eat our food. Designed for groups of all ages, “Eating Well” uses games, activities, prayer and […]

Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!

by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I’m pleased to announce the North Carolina Council of Churches has a new curriculum in the works! “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet” is an introduction to the issues surrounding the way we grow, harvest, and eat our food. Designed for groups of all ages, “Eating Well” uses games, activities, prayer and […]

New Nutritional Standards for School Lunches

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Back in November, I told you about the political battle that was ensuing over school lunches in our country.  More specifically, the Obama Administration was calling for healthier meals made with less fat and sodium as well as more fruits and vegetables, while the spending bill passed by Congress recognized tomato paste as a vegetable […]

New Nutritional Standards for School Lunches

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Back in November, I told you about the political battle that was ensuing over school lunches in our country.  More specifically, the Obama Administration was calling for healthier meals made with less fat and sodium as well as more fruits and vegetables, while the spending bill passed by Congress recognized tomato paste as a vegetable […]

Upcoming AME Zion Church Health Conference on Feb. 25

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Francis Jones is organizing a district wide health conference to be held on February 25 from 10am-12:30pm at St. Marks AME Zion Church in Durham (531 S. Roxboro Street).  Representatives of Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) will speak about the Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 initiative for all churches.  This is an opportunity to […]

Upcoming AME Zion Church Health Conference on Feb. 25

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Francis Jones is organizing a district wide health conference to be held on February 25 from 10am-12:30pm at St. Marks AME Zion Church in Durham (531 S. Roxboro Street).  Representatives of Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) will speak about the Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 initiative for all churches.  This is an opportunity to […]

Churches Set a Unity Plan: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thanks to Mary McKeithan for being a key instrumental player in uniting churches in Bladen County on Monday November 28, 2011 at Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church on 800 Broad St. Ms. McKeithan and Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness collaborated with Bladen churches to set a health focus 2012 calendar for willing congregant members. […]

Churches Set a Unity Plan: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thanks to Mary McKeithan for being a key instrumental player in uniting churches in Bladen County on Monday November 28, 2011 at Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church on 800 Broad St. Ms. McKeithan and Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness collaborated with Bladen churches to set a health focus 2012 calendar for willing congregant members. […]

Richmond County Kicks Off Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 on Jan. 29

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Richmond County has answered the call to Being Healthy,  Being Faithful 2012. Mary Swann and Yvonne McGraw of the Pee Dee Baptist Association have both been instrumental in rallying Baptist churches together to learn more about health as a faith issue. The first 2012 event is scheduled for January 29th from 3-5  p.m. at the […]

Richmond County Kicks Off Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 on Jan. 29

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Richmond County has answered the call to Being Healthy,  Being Faithful 2012. Mary Swann and Yvonne McGraw of the Pee Dee Baptist Association have both been instrumental in rallying Baptist churches together to learn more about health as a faith issue. The first 2012 event is scheduled for January 29th from 3-5  p.m. at the […]

Obese Corpses Rejected for Medical Research

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Carrying excess weight poses a number of health and other problems, but who knew such problems could extend past death?  According to a recent report by MSNBC, many donation programs are refusing corpses that weigh more than 200 to 300 pounds because they simply do not have the equipment or manpower to handle them.  East […]

Obese Corpses Rejected for Medical Research

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Carrying excess weight poses a number of health and other problems, but who knew such problems could extend past death?  According to a recent report by MSNBC, many donation programs are refusing corpses that weigh more than 200 to 300 pounds because they simply do not have the equipment or manpower to handle them.  East […]

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Everyone eats. How and from where we get that food, how much is available to us, how it is grown, and what happens when there isn’t enough all have implications for our world and its inhabitants. We need to consider this very fundamental part of our lives as a faith issue. So we hope you’ll join […]

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Everyone eats. How and from where we get that food, how much is available to us, how it is grown, and what happens when there isn’t enough all have implications for our world and its inhabitants. We need to consider this very fundamental part of our lives as a faith issue. So we hope you’ll join […]

Hunger Continues to Rise Across North Carolina

By chris

While the Great Recession technically ended in mid-2009, its effects on North Carolina’s workers and families have dragged on. High unemployment and underemployment have led to increases in numerous measures of economic hardship, including hunger. More than two million North Carolinians faced food hardship in 2010.

For more than a million individuals in North Carolina facing hunger, the state’s food stamps program provided a vital lifeline. Participation in the program has surged since the start of the recession, with the equivalent of the population of Charlotte being added to the program.

Hunger Continues to Rise Across North Carolina

by chris

While the Great Recession technically ended in mid-2009, its effects on North Carolina’s workers and families have dragged on. High unemployment and underemployment have led to increases in numerous measures of economic hardship, including hunger. More than two million North Carolinians faced food hardship in 2010.

For more than a million individuals in North Carolina facing hunger, the state’s food stamps program provided a vital lifeline. Participation in the program has surged since the start of the recession, with the equivalent of the population of Charlotte being added to the program.

Placing Obese Children in Foster Care: Does the Punishment Fit the “Crime”?

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The debate over whether to place morbidly obese children in foster care or to leave them in an unhealthy home environment resurfaced a few days ago when a 200-pound eight-year-old boy from Ohio was removed from his home. Case workers grew concerned when their attempts to work with the mother to reduce the child’s weight proved […]

Placing Obese Children in Foster Care: Does the Punishment Fit the “Crime”?

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The debate over whether to place morbidly obese children in foster care or to leave them in an unhealthy home environment resurfaced a few days ago when a 200-pound eight-year-old boy from Ohio was removed from his home. Case workers grew concerned when their attempts to work with the mother to reduce the child’s weight proved […]

Churches Unite: Being Healthy Being Faithful 2012

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Each year in North Carolina, thousands of people die of preventable diseases and almost 1.5 million North Carolinians currently lack health insurance. As Christians, we follow Christ, The Great Physician; someone who heals the sick, guides the lost, and liberates the oppressed. The NC Council of Churches shares God’s concern for all areas of our […]

Churches Unite: Being Healthy Being Faithful 2012

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Each year in North Carolina, thousands of people die of preventable diseases and almost 1.5 million North Carolinians currently lack health insurance. As Christians, we follow Christ, The Great Physician; someone who heals the sick, guides the lost, and liberates the oppressed. The NC Council of Churches shares God’s concern for all areas of our […]

Our Addiction to Cheap Labor

By chris

Raleigh News & Observer

As we enter this holiday season of feasting, we need to be honest about how our food is produced. America has always relied on cheap labor to make agriculture work.

The source of much of that labor used to be slave ships making the Middle Passage. Today it’s no longer slaves but immigrant workers, primarily undocumented people from Mexico and Latin America, whose cheap labor makes possible both low prices at the grocery store and high profits for agribusinesses.

Our Addiction to Cheap Labor

Raleigh News & Observer

As we enter this holiday season of feasting, we need to be honest about how our food is produced. America has always relied on cheap labor to make agriculture work.

The source of much of that labor used to be slave ships making the Middle Passage. Today it’s no longer slaves but immigrant workers, primarily undocumented people from Mexico and Latin America, whose cheap labor makes possible both low prices at the grocery store and high profits for agribusinesses.

The Debate over Healthier School Lunches

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

As the U.S. grapples with falling home prices, rising unemployment and poverty, members of Congress can’t even agree on what to serve our school-aged children for lunch!  The Obama administration – in concert with the First Lady’s flagship health initiative, Let’s Move! – has been working to improve the foods our children eat during the […]

The Debate over Healthier School Lunches

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

As the U.S. grapples with falling home prices, rising unemployment and poverty, members of Congress can’t even agree on what to serve our school-aged children for lunch!  The Obama administration – in concert with the First Lady’s flagship health initiative, Let’s Move! – has been working to improve the foods our children eat during the […]

Bladen Churches Unite: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

BladenJournal.com

Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness, a Christian-based organization, will collaborate with churches and the parish nurse on Monday, Nov. 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church at 800 W. Broad St. (across from the Municipal Building), to make local churches healthier for the glory of God.

Bladen Churches Unite: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

BladenJournal.com

Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness, a Christian-based organization, will collaborate with churches and the parish nurse on Monday, Nov. 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church at 800 W. Broad St. (across from the Municipal Building), to make local churches healthier for the glory of God.

Seven Billion and Growing

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The temperatures are dropping. The leaves are changing. Holidays are speeding by. We’ve already passed Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, All Hallow’s Eve, Reformation Day, All Saints’ Day, All Soul’s Day. Thanksgiving is bearing down on us, and there’s already Christmas music playing in the stores. But with all of these occasions, there’s another significant […]

Seven Billion and Growing

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The temperatures are dropping. The leaves are changing. Holidays are speeding by. We’ve already passed Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, All Hallow’s Eve, Reformation Day, All Saints’ Day, All Soul’s Day. Thanksgiving is bearing down on us, and there’s already Christmas music playing in the stores. But with all of these occasions, there’s another significant […]

National Food Day Was Cooked Just Right!

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

People nationwide celebrated National Food Day on October 24th.  The mission of National Food Day is “…to bring together Americans from all walks of life–parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, community organizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and eaters of all stripes–to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way.” […]

National Food Day Was Cooked Just Right!

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

People nationwide celebrated National Food Day on October 24th.  The mission of National Food Day is “…to bring together Americans from all walks of life–parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, community organizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and eaters of all stripes–to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way.” […]

November is American Diabetes Month

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The American Diabetes Association has launched a new faith-based program called "Live Empowered" which is designed to assist churches with integrating diabetes awareness messages and life application principles into worship services. Also, in observance of American Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association is sponsoring "Super Diabetes Sunday" on November 13th. Super Diabetes Sundays will include materials and giveaways to help your congregation join the fight against diabetes.

November is American Diabetes Month

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The American Diabetes Association has launched a new faith-based program called “Live Empowered” which is designed to assist churches with integrating diabetes awareness messages and life application principles into worship services. Also, in observance of American Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association is sponsoring “Super Diabetes Sunday” on November 13th. Super Diabetes Sundays will include materials and giveaways to help your congregation join the fight against diabetes.

Here’s Harvard’s Plate!

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Harvard School of Public Health has put out a new plate—different from the USDA’s revamp of the Food Guide Pyramid. Among the differences, the USDA’s MyPlate does not talk about nutrient dense choices within their food guide. For example, the USDA says that a quarter of your plate should be grains. Harvard does not dispute that […]

Here’s Harvard’s Plate!

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Harvard School of Public Health has put out a new plate—different from the USDA’s revamp of the Food Guide Pyramid. Among the differences, the USDA’s MyPlate does not talk about nutrient dense choices within their food guide. For example, the USDA says that a quarter of your plate should be grains. Harvard does not dispute that […]

Radiation in Cigarettes

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

This might strike you as surprising, as it did me, but radiation has been in cigarettes for more than forty years! We all have heard just how bad cigarettes are, but to know that they contain alpha particles on top of the other harmful substances is alarming, to say the least. And it is appalling to know that tobacco companies knew this and covered up the truth.

Radiation in Cigarettes

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

This might strike you as surprising, as it did me, but radiation has been in cigarettes for more than forty years! We all have heard just how bad cigarettes are, but to know that they contain alpha particles on top of the other harmful substances is alarming, to say the least. And it is appalling to know that tobacco companies knew this and covered up the truth.

Farmworkers are People, Too

By chris

Last week I visited with a great group of students at Episcopal Campus Ministry (Raleigh) to talk about farmworkers, food and faith. Some students had just visited Episcopal Farmworker Ministry in Newton Grove, NC, where they had volunteered their time to visit with workers, provide clothes and other necessities, and learn about life as a farmworker in North Carolina’s fields. The visit raised many questions about the injustices in our food system and the seeming invisibility of the people who make it possible with their hard labor. Even though 85% of fruits and vegetables are picked by hand, many students remarked that they had never learned anything about farmworkers at all before getting involved with Episcopal Campus Ministry.

Farmworkers are People, Too

by chris

Last week I visited with a great group of students at Episcopal Campus Ministry (Raleigh) to talk about farmworkers, food and faith. Some students had just visited Episcopal Farmworker Ministry in Newton Grove, NC, where they had volunteered their time to visit with workers, provide clothes and other necessities, and learn about life as a farmworker in North Carolina’s fields. The visit raised many questions about the injustices in our food system and the seeming invisibility of the people who make it possible with their hard labor. Even though 85% of fruits and vegetables are picked by hand, many students remarked that they had never learned anything about farmworkers at all before getting involved with Episcopal Campus Ministry.

The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I’ve been thinking about Daniel a lot lately. Daniel and his buddies were in the first wave of exiles to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar had them brought to the palace and assigned them a daily portion of royal food and wine. But Daniel refused to eat the rations. Why? They were royal, sumptuous. But they weren’t […]

The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I’ve been thinking about Daniel a lot lately. Daniel and his buddies were in the first wave of exiles to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar had them brought to the palace and assigned them a daily portion of royal food and wine. But Daniel refused to eat the rations. Why? They were royal, sumptuous. But they weren’t […]

Budget with conscience

By chris

As the "Super Committee" begins to negotiate a deal to cut $1.5 trillion from our national budget, the faith community wants to be sure that our North Carolina congressional delegation - Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan as well as our 13 representatives - remember the calling of the God of all creation to provide for the common good. As the Rev. Dr. James Forbes, a native North Carolinian and senior pastor emeritus of New York's Riverside Church reminds us, budgets are moral documents that determine who eats and who starves.

Budget with conscience

As the “Super Committee” begins to negotiate a deal to cut $1.5 trillion from our national budget, the faith community wants to be sure that our North Carolina congressional delegation – Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan as well as our 13 representatives – remember the calling of the God of all creation to provide for the common good. As the Rev. Dr. James Forbes, a native North Carolinian and senior pastor emeritus of New York’s Riverside Church reminds us, budgets are moral documents that determine who eats and who starves.

Navigating the State Fair

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

When the weather starts to cool, I begin thinking more and more about the North Carolina State Fair, which takes place this year Oct. 13-23. The fair has become an important part of my fall season during my years here. Still, let’s face it: it is a somewhat hazardous part of the fall season, too. There’s […]

Navigating the State Fair

by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

When the weather starts to cool, I begin thinking more and more about the North Carolina State Fair, which takes place this year Oct. 13-23. The fair has become an important part of my fall season during my years here. Still, let’s face it: it is a somewhat hazardous part of the fall season, too. There’s […]

What Am I Really Paying?

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I am appalled. I’m disgusted. I’m outraged. And perhaps most of all, I’m ashamed. I have worked at the North Carolina Council of Churches for less than 10 hours, and already my life will never be the same. I’m a student at Duke Divinity School earning my Master’s of Divinity so that I can one […]

What Am I Really Paying?

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I am appalled. I’m disgusted. I’m outraged. And perhaps most of all, I’m ashamed. I have worked at the North Carolina Council of Churches for less than 10 hours, and already my life will never be the same. I’m a student at Duke Divinity School earning my Master’s of Divinity so that I can one […]

What’s in Season?

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I am a terrible meal planner. I frequently arrive at the grocery store without a plan and hungry, which, as any seasoned cook will tell you, guarantees only two things: spending too much money and not making healthy choices. For some people, this is not an issue. A past roommate of mine turned trips to […]

What’s in Season?

by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I am a terrible meal planner. I frequently arrive at the grocery store without a plan and hungry, which, as any seasoned cook will tell you, guarantees only two things: spending too much money and not making healthy choices. For some people, this is not an issue. A past roommate of mine turned trips to […]

The Cost of Obesity

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Last week, I wrote briefly on the efforts local churches in Mississippi have made to improve the health of their communities. Unfortunately, our nation is trending in the opposite, less-healthy direction. A recent report on the international obesity crisis from The Lancet states that half of U.S. adults will qualify as obese by 2030. That’s […]

The Cost of Obesity

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Last week, I wrote briefly on the efforts local churches in Mississippi have made to improve the health of their communities. Unfortunately, our nation is trending in the opposite, less-healthy direction. A recent report on the international obesity crisis from The Lancet states that half of U.S. adults will qualify as obese by 2030. That’s […]

New Documentary: Harvest of Dignity

By chris

Harvest of Dignity is a new, original documentary created in 2011. It focuses on the lives and work of farmworkers in North Carolina, providing an in-depth portrait of the people who harvest our food today. It combines interviews with North Carolina farmworkers, advocates, faith leaders and educators, documentary photos and interviews collected by Student Action with Farmworkers interns and clips from the original Harvest of Shame documentary.

New Documentary: Harvest of Dignity

by chris

Harvest of Dignity is a new, original documentary created in 2011. It focuses on the lives and work of farmworkers in North Carolina, providing an in-depth portrait of the people who harvest our food today. It combines interviews with North Carolina farmworkers, advocates, faith leaders and educators, documentary photos and interviews collected by Student Action with Farmworkers interns and clips from the original Harvest of Shame documentary.

Raleigh News & Observer: Community gardens are in residents’ hands

By chris

The Council has long been touting the benefits of community gardening in both urban and rural settings alike. Community gardens offer healthy local foods that are often more nutritious than their grocery-story or food-bank counterparts. Gardens also help community members become more active, and they are a great way for congregations, local organizations and neighborhoods to collaborate together. Last Sunday the Raleigh News & Observer highlighted this growing movement, using the example of Highland United Methodist Church.

Raleigh News & Observer: Community gardens are in residents’ hands

by chris

The Council has long been touting the benefits of community gardening in both urban and rural settings alike. Community gardens offer healthy local foods that are often more nutritious than their grocery-story or food-bank counterparts. Gardens also help community members become more active, and they are a great way for congregations, local organizations and neighborhoods to collaborate together. Last Sunday the Raleigh News & Observer highlighted this growing movement, using the example of Highland United Methodist Church.

The Parable Garden

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Looking for a little inspiration to plant a garden at your church or in your community?  Have questions about the whole process or need a little grant money to get you started?  Well, keep reading….  A United Methodist church in Hickory, NC and the First Lady’s Let’s Move Faith and Communities Initiative might have just […]

The Parable Garden

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Looking for a little inspiration to plant a garden at your church or in your community?  Have questions about the whole process or need a little grant money to get you started?  Well, keep reading….  A United Methodist church in Hickory, NC and the First Lady’s Let’s Move Faith and Communities Initiative might have just […]

Bishop Curry Interviews Dr. Kathy Shea about NC IPL

By chris

In a recent edition of Please Note, Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina interviewed Dr. Kathy Shea about her work as director of NC Interfaith Power & Light.

Bishop Curry Interviews Dr. Kathy Shea about NC IPL

In a recent edition of Please Note, Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina interviewed Dr. Kathy Shea about her work as director of NC Interfaith Power & Light.

A Curious Shuffle in Georgia’s Farms

By Keith Gustine, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Governor Deal believes ex-convicts on Georgia farms can fill 11,000 jobs opened by the state’s new harsh immigration law. The law authorizes all law enforcement to detain immigrants and that has scared away the undocumented workers who attended the fields beforehand. With unemployment hitting a critical high among citizens on probation, it seems the Governor sees the solution as a simple switch. But how many ex-convicts have gone out to the farms looking for work? If the potential workers who are on probation are not presently looking for those jobs, will this group migrate to the farms, because the Governor says so?

A Curious Shuffle in Georgia’s Farms

by Keith Gustine, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Governor Deal believes ex-convicts on Georgia farms can fill 11,000 jobs opened by the state’s new harsh immigration law. The law authorizes all law enforcement to detain immigrants and that has scared away the undocumented workers who attended the fields beforehand. With unemployment hitting a critical high among citizens on probation, it seems the Governor sees the solution as a simple switch. But how many ex-convicts have gone out to the farms looking for work? If the potential workers who are on probation are not presently looking for those jobs, will this group migrate to the farms, because the Governor says so?

Raise Your Hand if You Support Child Labor

By chris

As a society, we decided 75 years ago that child labor needed very strict guidelines to make sure that education comes first and to prevent abusive conditions.  The only problem?  Children in agriculture were exempted from these protections, in part because most farms were small family operations that needed everyone’s help.  Today, mass-scale agribusiness has replaced family farms.  But the exemption allowing child labor on farms has remained, meaning that there’s a good chance that pint of blueberries you’re enjoying was hand-picked by 12- and 13-year olds – legally.  These same children are too young to work in any other industry.

Raise Your Hand if You Support Child Labor

by chris

As a society, we decided 75 years ago that child labor needed very strict guidelines to make sure that education comes first and to prevent abusive conditions.  The only problem?  Children in agriculture were exempted from these protections, in part because most farms were small family operations that needed everyone’s help.  Today, mass-scale agribusiness has replaced family farms.  But the exemption allowing child labor on farms has remained, meaning that there’s a good chance that pint of blueberries you’re enjoying was hand-picked by 12- and 13-year olds – legally.  These same children are too young to work in any other industry.

Statement on Physical Activity and Nutrition

By North Carolina Council of Churches

The issue of overweight and obesity has been well-publicized in recent months. In the United States, more than 23 million kids (nearly one-third) are overweight or obese. In North Carolina, 65%[2] of adults and 36% of children and youth age 6-17 fall into one of these alarming categories – alarming because of the adverse effects on one’s health resulting from carrying excess weight as well as the financial impact on the individual, his/her family, employer and the overall health care system.

Statement on Physical Activity and Nutrition

by North Carolina Council of Churches

The issue of overweight and obesity has been well-publicized in recent months. In the United States, more than 23 million kids (nearly one-third) are overweight or obese. In North Carolina, 65%[2] of adults and 36% of children and youth age 6-17 fall into one of these alarming categories – alarming because of the adverse effects on one’s health resulting from carrying excess weight as well as the financial impact on the individual, his/her family, employer and the overall health care system.

Living on an Ark

By chris

Dr. Norman Wirzba, Duke Divinity School (Durham)

Now, imagine that God comes to you one day and says, “I need you and your family to gather all the animals living in North Carolina. I need you to feed them and protect them. I need you to build a floating farm and make sure they stay alive because the world around them is crumbling and dissolving. The places these animals have called home are disappearing, and I need you to make a home for them.” What would you say?

Living on an Ark

by chris

Dr. Norman Wirzba, Duke Divinity School (Durham)

Now, imagine that God comes to you one day and says, “I need you and your family to gather all the animals living in North Carolina. I need you to feed them and protect them. I need you to build a floating farm and make sure they stay alive because the world around them is crumbling and dissolving. The places these animals have called home are disappearing, and I need you to make a home for them.” What would you say?

Facts About North Carolina Farmworkers

By chris

Farmworkers play a vital role in cultivating the food we eat everyday, and North Carolina has one of the largest farmworker populations in the nation. Even though 85% of our fruits and vegetables are harvested by hand, farmworkers remain largely invisible. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

Facts About North Carolina Farmworkers

by chris

Farmworkers play a vital role in cultivating the food we eat everyday, and North Carolina has one of the largest farmworker populations in the nation. Even though 85% of our fruits and vegetables are harvested by hand, farmworkers remain largely invisible. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

Hands of Harvest, Hearts of Justice

By chris

The curriculum was written with the help of many individuals for churches to examine and reflect on farmworker issues in North Carolina in a biblical context. It is our hope that through the use of this curriculum, your congregation will lift up farmworkers and become a part of the North Carolina movement to improve the living and working conditions of those who harvest our crops.

Hands of Harvest, Hearts of Justice

by chris

The curriculum was written with the help of many individuals for churches to examine and reflect on farmworker issues in North Carolina in a biblical context. It is our hope that through the use of this curriculum, your congregation will lift up farmworkers and become a part of the North Carolina movement to improve the living and working conditions of those who harvest our crops.

Farmworkers’ Vital Contribution to North Carolina’s Economy

By chris

Agriculture serves as the economic backbone for North Carolina, and farmworkers’ hand labor is needed to produce crops that bring in billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. Despite this fact, farmworkers remain one of the state’s most economically disadvantaged and unprotected group of laborers. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

Farmworkers’ Vital Contribution to North Carolina’s Economy

by chris

Agriculture serves as the economic backbone for North Carolina, and farmworkers’ hand labor is needed to produce crops that bring in billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. Despite this fact, farmworkers remain one of the state’s most economically disadvantaged and unprotected group of laborers. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

North Carolina Farmworker Health Facts

By chris

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

North Carolina Farmworker Health Facts

by chris

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

Farmworkers and Immigration

By chris

Not all immigrants are farmworkers, and not all farmworkers are immigrants. Yet as the following facts show, our agricultural system has always relied on the labor of displaced people that do not have the benefit of full citizenship in this country—whether indentured servants, slaves, sharecroppers, or undocumented immigrants. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

Farmworkers and Immigration

by chris

Not all immigrants are farmworkers, and not all farmworkers are immigrants. Yet as the following facts show, our agricultural system has always relied on the labor of displaced people that do not have the benefit of full citizenship in this country—whether indentured servants, slaves, sharecroppers, or undocumented immigrants. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

United States Farmworker Factsheet

By chris

Farmworkers are some of our nation’s most vital workers, as their labor enables us to enjoy high quality, low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities where they live and work, they continue to be the some of the lowest paid, least protected, and unhealthiest workers in the United States. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups.

United States Farmworker Factsheet

by chris

Farmworkers are some of our nation’s most vital workers, as their labor enables us to enjoy high quality, low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities where they live and work, they continue to be the some of the lowest paid, least protected, and unhealthiest workers in the United States. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups.

Recipes for the Heart & Soul

By chris

At the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Program, we want to help people of faith and congregations become healthier. What better way to help people become healthier than by helping them prepare healthy foods? Not only do we want to show you how to cook healthy foods at home, we want to offer you recipes to use at church events, too. Our objective with this cookbook is to highlight healthy recipes for large groups. Our hope is that you will use these recipes to help feed your parishes, that they might receive spiritual and bodily nourishment at church.

Recipes for the Heart & Soul

by chris

At the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Program, we want to help people of faith and congregations become healthier. What better way to help people become healthier than by helping them prepare healthy foods? Not only do we want to show you how to cook healthy foods at home, we want to offer you recipes to use at church events, too. Our objective with this cookbook is to highlight healthy recipes for large groups. Our hope is that you will use these recipes to help feed your parishes, that they might receive spiritual and bodily nourishment at church.

Ownership of Agricultural Seeds

By North Carolina Council of Churches

God gives people plants and seeds for farming as a gift in the first chapter of Genesis. Genesis tells us God created plants and their seeds, “each according to its kind,” called them good, and gave to humans to eat. For generations, farmers and gardeners have honored this gift, tending and improving their crops. We, the members of the Rural Life Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches, celebrate God’s gift of agricultural diversity and the good stewardship of that gift by generations of farmers. We support just and fair options for farmers and a secure food supply for those in need. We recognize that our actions affect people across the globe. When addressing the concentration of ownership in agriculture and the development of genetically modified seeds, we consider: Who benefits? What are those benefits? What are the true costs? Who will pay them? Are there more sustainable, appropriate, cost-effective and just alternatives?

Ownership of Agricultural Seeds

by North Carolina Council of Churches

God gives people plants and seeds for farming as a gift in the first chapter of Genesis. Genesis tells us God created plants and their seeds, “each according to its kind,” called them good, and gave to humans to eat. For generations, farmers and gardeners have honored this gift, tending and improving their crops.

We, the members of the Rural Life Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches, celebrate God’s gift of agricultural diversity and the good stewardship of that gift by generations of farmers. We support just and fair options for farmers and a secure food supply for those in need. We recognize that our actions affect people across the globe.

When addressing the concentration of ownership in agriculture and the development of genetically modified seeds, we consider: Who benefits? What are those benefits? What are the true costs? Who will pay them? Are there more sustainable, appropriate, cost-effective and just alternatives?

Being a Creature Means You Eat

By chris

Ellen Davis, Duke Divinity School (Durham)

Reading the Bible is my line of work, yet for years I read past the first chapter’s detailed attention to the food supply, as have my fellow biblical scholars. I now realize that my profession’s obliviousness about food in the Bible points to a deep and worrisome difference between a modern cultural mindset and the culture that all the biblical writers represent. The difference comes down to this: for them, eating and agriculture have to do with God, and for us they do not.

Being a Creature Means You Eat

by chris

Ellen Davis, Duke Divinity School (Durham)

Reading the Bible is my line of work, yet for years I read past the first chapter’s detailed attention to the food supply, as have my fellow biblical scholars. I now realize that my profession’s obliviousness about food in the Bible points to a deep and worrisome difference between a modern cultural mindset and the culture that all the biblical writers represent. The difference comes down to this: for them, eating and agriculture have to do with God, and for us they do not.

Come to the Table

By chris

This 40-page guidebook includes an overview of the theology and issues surrounding farming and food security in North Carolina, easy tools for identifying the needs and resources in your community, example projects, and a resource list.

Come to the Table

by chris

This 40-page guidebook includes an overview of the theology and issues surrounding farming and food security in North Carolina, easy tools for identifying the needs and resources in your community, example projects, and a resource list.

The Church and the Rural Crisis in North Carolina

By North Carolina Council of Churches

We must rethink and rework not only the unjust and unwise practices of energy and capital-intensive, centrally-controlled and wealth-concentrating agribusiness production, but also its goals and assumptions, if we are to be true to creation theology and a just, participatory, and sustainable agricultural production system. Specifically, we must use more appropriate regenerative technology and alternative farming methodology in North Carolina if there is to be a future on the farm for many small and medium-income farmers who have survived in the past primarily by growing tobacco. Indeed, without the institution of a regenerative agricultural production system, future generations on all continents will risk the loss of even more of the scarce arable land, forests, species, aquifers, and energy sources at a time when the global population will be doubling every generation.

The Church and the Rural Crisis in North Carolina

by North Carolina Council of Churches

We must rethink and rework not only the unjust and unwise practices of energy and capital-intensive, centrally-controlled and wealth-concentrating agribusiness production, but also its goals and assumptions, if we are to be true to creation theology and a just, participatory, and sustainable agricultural production system. Specifically, we must use more appropriate regenerative technology and alternative farming methodology in North Carolina if there is to be a future on the farm for many small and medium-income farmers who have survived in the past primarily by growing tobacco. Indeed, without the institution of a regenerative agricultural production system, future generations on all continents will risk the loss of even more of the scarce arable land, forests, species, aquifers, and energy sources at a time when the global population will be doubling every generation.