WHO WE ARE
The Midlands Local Food Collaborative (MLFC) is a network of organizations and individuals that support the local food system in the Midlands of South Carolina. Based on shared values of sustainable agriculture, land stewardship, and equitable access to food, MLFC participants support efforts to cultivate a thriving local food system through education, infrastructure improvements, policy development, community organization, and technical assistance.
Who makes up 'the Midlands'?
The Midlands region is defined as the area within a 50 mile radius around the City of Columbia, including the county jurisdictions of Lexington, Richland, Kershaw, Sumter, Calhoun, Orangeburg, Saluda, Newberry, and Fairfield.
MISSION AND GOALS
The MLFC’s mission is to cultivate a sustainable local food system, foster land stewardship, and increase equitable food access in the Midlands by sharing information and supporting collaborative efforts to:
1
Engage and educate the community about food system issues.
2
Strengthen the local food economy through infrastructure developments in coordination with regional and state efforts.
3
Advance policies in support of local food systems and organizing stakeholders around these issues.
4
Increase access to healthy food while creating small farmer opportunity.
5
Increase sustainable food production through education and technical and financial assistance.