The North Carolina Community Engagement Alliance (NC CEAL) team participated in the 2026 North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) Conference through the workshop “Food as a Driver of Health: Breaking Barriers, Building Solutions.”
NCCAA is a statewide network that supports Community Action Agencies across North Carolina by advocating for individuals and families experiencing poverty and strengthening community-based solutions. Through collaboration with community members, local governments, public and private partners, and volunteers, NCCAA works to advance strategies that address barriers impacting health and well-being across communities.
Facilitated by CCPH Engagement Strategist Alexis Hill and Lorraine Taylor, PhD, the interactive session explored the connection between food access, nutrition education, and community health. Participants engaged in discussions and activities focused on identifying existing community efforts, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen healthy eating initiatives across organizations.
Alexis Hill taking a picture with participants who attended the workshop
Throughout the workshop, attendees shared experiences from their communities, discussed strategies for addressing food insecurity, and explored how partnerships can support sustainable approaches to improving health outcomes. The conversation highlighted the importance of community-informed solutions, shared learning, and collaboration in advancing health equity.
Participants shared current initiatives within their organizations, identified common challenges, and exchanged ideas that could be brought back to their communities and leadership teams. A key discussion focused on culturally relevant approaches to nutrition, including the connection between the Mediterranean diet framework and the Med-South approach, demonstrating how evidence-based strategies can be adapted to reflect local communities and lived experiences.
Alexis introducing NC CEAL & workshop presentation.
The workshop also strengthened connections between NC CEAL and NCCAA partners, creating opportunities for continued collaboration and shared learning. Three NCCAA-affiliated community leaders who recently completed the Research Leadership Academy (RLA), Stephanie Ashley, MA, CCAP; Sheryl Andrews, NCRI, CCAP; and Nafia Speach, NCRI, further demonstrate the growing connection between NC CEAL and community leaders working to improve health outcomes across North Carolina.
