2026 Rural Food and Health Forum to Bring Leaders Together to Advance Rural Health and Food Access

Henderson N.C. — September 8, 2026 — Leaders from healthcare, agriculture, research, philanthropy, government, and rural communities will gather in Raleigh for the 2026 Rural Food and Health Forum, taking place on October 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library at NC State University.

Hosted by the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO) and the Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute, in partnership with the NC State Institute for Emerging Issues, the Forum will bring together experts and community leaders to explore solutions for improving rural health, expanding access to fresh and nutritious food, strengthening local food systems, and building healthier and more resilient rural communities. The forum will also give community based organizations a chance to hear more about North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP), which is a five-year multi-billion dollar federal initiative led by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). 

Featured keynote speakers include Dr. Rachel Keever, President and CEO of the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation; Dr. Rohan A. Shirwaiker, Director of the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State; and Maggie Woods, Director of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program. They will be joined by additional experts and leaders from across the state. 

“The Rural Food and Health Forum is about connecting people, ideas, and resources to address some of the most important challenges facing rural communities,” said Henry Crews, Executive Director of GRRO. “Access to nutritious food and quality healthcare are essential in rural areas and we all need to be coming together to address our rural communities needs. 

The Forum is open to the public, and general registration is $125. Rural residents, farmers, healthcare and public health professionals, community organizations, policymakers, researchers, funders, educators, and others interested in strengthening rural communities are encouraged to attend.

Thanks to the generous support of forum sponsors, GRRO and the Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute are offering need-based registration waivers to individuals who self-identify as needing financial assistance. Organizers are committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation and that diverse rural voices are represented in conversations shaping the future of rural food and health.

2026 Rural Food and Health ForumOctober 10, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Raleigh, North Carolina | James B. Hunt Jr. Library, NC State UniversityGeneral Registration: $125 | Need-Based Registration Waivers Available

MEDIA CONTACT

Greg Hedgepeth Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO) info@grronc.org

About The Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO):The Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO) works to cultivate thriving and resilient rural communities through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and a commitment to health, sustainability, and economic opportunity. GRRO is dedicated to addressing persistent poverty, improving access to fresh and healthy foods, and supporting health providers in their fight against chronic disease in rural areas. https://grronc.org 

About the Eva Clayton Rural Food InstituteThe Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute connects farmers, families, and policymakers to strengthen rural food systems and communities. The Institute works to advance a fair, sustainable, and thriving food system where small and historically underrepresented farmers have opportunities to grow and prosper, and where every rural community has access to healthy, dignified, and affordable food. Through partnerships, advocacy, and innovative programs, the Institute helps build a more resilient future for rural communities. https://ecrfi.org