Center Rural Voices
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Ensure rural residents and community leaders are at the forefront of discussions and solutions.
Promote Health & Nutrition Equity
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Explore strategies to expand access to fresh, healthy foods, particularly for underserved populations.
Foster Cross-Sector Collaboration
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Engage stakeholders across agriculture, health care, education, and government.
Secure the Future of Rural Programming
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Build momentum and advocacy around sustaining and scaling rural food and health initiatives.
Register Today!
This years forum will be held at the
James B. Hunt Jr. Library
1070 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606
For our out-of-state guests, hotel accommodations can be arranged at the StateView Hotel, a short walk from the forum venue. You can also view other hotels in downtown Raleigh.
Goals of the Forum
Connecting People, Food, and Innovation for Rural Impact
Saturday, October 10, 2026
The 2026 Rural Food and Health Forum is a convening for leaders, practitioners, and community voices from across rural America to come together in our efforts to advance innovative solutions at the intersection of food access, health equity, and economic development. Grounded in the belief that thriving rural communities are essential to a resilient future, this forum creates a collaborative space where lived experience meets policy, practice, and investment.
A Call to Action
Rural communities are at a critical crossroads, facing persistent health disparities, limited access to fresh, nutritious foods, and economic challenges that demand innovative, community-driven solutions.
The 2026 Rural Food and Health Forum is more than a convening; it is a catalyst for change.
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GRRO, along with a number of our institutional partners are working in communities to expand food access, support local growers, and partner with healthcare providers to improve health outcomes. This forum builds on that momentum by bringing together the voices, ideas, and partnerships needed to accelerate impact and scale what works.
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Now is the time to act. Whether you are a community leader, practitioner, policymaker, or advocate, your voice and participation are essential. Join us in shaping solutions that strengthen rural economies, improve health, and ensure every community has access to the resources they need to thrive.
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Be part of the transformation.
Need-based registration waivers
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO) and the Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute are pleased to offer need-based registration waivers to individuals who self-identify as needing financial assistance. We are committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation and that diverse rural voices are represented in the conversations shaping the future of rural food and health.
Forum Sponsors
The 2026 Rural Food and Health Forum is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, whose partnership is helping advance healthier, stronger, and more resilient rural communities.
Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?
Your sponsorship provides a meaningful return on investment through brand recognition, thought leadership opportunities, strategic networking, and alignment with innovative initiatives that are improving health outcomes, supporting local farmers, and strengthening rural economies. Download our sponsorship onepager and email us if you'd like to learn more about how you can support.