CRAFTING a better food system
The Center for Regional Agriculture, Food, and Transformation at Chatham University works to transform the future of food and agriculture in Western Pennsylvania and beyond
PROGRAM AREAS
We work in four program areas, actualizing the power of communities to drive change within our food system.
Food Industry Support
Our FOOD INNOVATION LAB is a premier provider of consulting and business coaching services for regional food entrepreneurs and businesses.
Food System Research
We maintain an open-source REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM INVENTORY of producers, processors, and more, including downloadable datasets, interactive GIS maps, and other resources.
Our WESTERN PA FOODWAYS COLLECTION houses oral history interviews and other digital artifacts about food, culture, and history in our region.
Food System Education
Weekly baking, butchering, and cooking workshops held at Chatham University Eden Hall Farm Campus, along with other events and training programs.
Food System Intervention
We collaborate with a wide range of community partners to develop practical system solutions.
This work also includes:
Baker Training Program
A workforce development program aimed at creating a trained workforce to support the regional grains economy
Link coming soon!
Culinary Tourism
CRAFT works with government and non-profit partners to develop culinary trails to promote economic development in the region.
The Eden Hall Bread Oven
A community space at the Eden Hall campus for learning and baking together
IN THE NEWS
We Believe in a Food System that is…
EQUITABLE
Fosters fairness and transparency across the value chain
SUSTAINABLE
Actualizes economic, social, and cultural well-being as a part of the food system
INCLUSIVE
Values dignity, worth, sovereignty, self-determination, and the inherent power of all people.
Chatham University wants to train farmers on how to bring in more money