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8 <br /> Mart Bumgartner said the pandemic forced suppliers to develop new ways to meet <br /> customers. He said in 2020, Cooperative Extension used $26,000 to purchase products from <br /> local farmers, such as cheese, apples, duck, milk, potatoes, squash, ice cream, collards, and <br /> muscadines. He said they supplemented food boxes given away at the holidays. <br /> Mart Bumgartner said he manages the community garden grant program. He said he <br /> also assists farmers with pest control; coordinating meetings around the state to make sure <br /> farmers are well informed, while also assisting in research on soils and new pests. He said he <br /> assists the Northern Piedmont Farm School in teaching and trainings. He said Orange County <br /> will host the graduation this year and using as much local foods and businesses as possible. <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked if Bumgartner is involved with the garden at the Bonnie B. <br /> Davis Environment and Agriculture Center. <br /> Mart Bumgartner said yes, he is working with the 4-H on this project. <br /> Mike Ortosky thanked Mart Bumgartner and introduced Ashley Heger, Orange County <br /> Food Council Coordinator. <br /> Ashley Heger introduced herself and said she works with the Orange County Manager's <br /> Office. She said she would like to reimagine the food economy, and wants to invite the county <br /> to be even more involved. She said the food council is trying to do more equity-based work. <br /> She made the following PowerPoint presentation: <br /> Slide #1 <br /> .- <br /> .O <br /> food-based"Thestakes for development <br /> builds power are high...t a reap the powerful benefits of food <br /> projectsand enterprises as vehicles for community <br /> developmentand health,while investing deeply in the self- <br /> determination and leadership of community residents." <br /> Slide #2 <br /> IdentifyingOperationalizing equity in food system development <br /> • Network development and <br /> Asset msppin�; <br /> • Develop resources for •• <br /> MkINS <br /> Ashley Heger described the priorities and primary concerns for the food council. She <br /> said the Council wants to focus on people who have been historically marginalized. She said <br />