On July 8, Come to the Table hosted a Food & Control gathering in Rocky Mount, NC alongside RAFI’s policy team. We addressed the topic of corporate power and competition in the food system, particularly in rural areas across NC. Using RAFI’s Grocery Gap Atlas, participants explored their own area and discussed the impacts and solutions to market consolidation.

Listen, and don’t respond.  These were the instructions given to the food and faith leaders that gathered in Asheville to learn about Food & Stigma with Come to the Table. . The opening activity prompted participants to share about a place they loved growing up and then about a time they received hospitality with a small group – none of whom could respond in any way until they were finished. Listeners were to offer only a simple “thank you” at the end of each story.