As consumers, our expectations about what we eat are changing. We still want our food that tastes delicious and is easy to prepare. But we also want healthier, more locally sourced options, too. More than ever, we expect greater access to fresh produce, minimally processed foods, information about where our food comes from, how it’s produced, and its impact on our health, the environment, and local economies. We’re now seeking more convenient ways to access locally sourced foods such like online delivery services—and also want more of these options available in our local grocery stores, offices, and daily footprints.

Join food entrepreneurs Alice Ammerman, PhD (Equiti Foods) and Patrick Mateer (Seal the Seasons) to explore how food-based businesses can thrive while creating public good for consumers, farmers, and the environment. Both companies—Equiti Foods and Seal the Seasons—spun out of UNC-Chapel Hill and are now growing rapidly and making a human and economic impact across North Carolina and the United States. Ammerman and Mateer will share their lessons learned on topics like:

· For-profit or non-profit: What should you consider when founding a food venture?

· Adapting to emerging markets: How to you remain nimble to tap into emerging markets, revenue opportunities, and customer needs?

· Local-to-regional scale: What are some challenges and strategies behind increasing consumer access to healthy, locally sourced food?

· Building partnerships: How do you identify and engage partners that align with your mission and amplify your business impact?

· Funding strategies: What funding sources and strategies can help jumpstart and sustain food entrepreneurs?

About Patrick Mateer:

Patrick Mateer is the Founder and CEO of Seal the Seasons, the first consumer packaged goods brand to utilize a distributed supply chain model to bring Americans “locally grown, locally frozen and locally sold produce.” Founded in his dorm room at UNC Chapel Hill, Patrick has grown the business to serve 36 states and approximately 6,000 retail locations. Patrick sees Seal the Seasons as a tool to empower farmers in rural, economically depressed communities.

About Alice Ammerman, PhD:

After years of research into the food system, food insecurity and how to prevent chronic disease, nutrition professor Dr. Alice Ammerman founded her company, Equiti Foods, with the goal of providing local, affordable and most importantly, nutritious, food to her community. Equiti’s first product is Good Bowls – healthy frozen meals based on the Mediterranean diet. Locally sourced and made in North Carolina, there are 14 delicious flavors to choose from, inspired by cuisines from around the world. Good Bowls are available for home delivery in the Triangle area and at various stores throughout the state.

Want a preview of the kinds of insights Mateer and Ammerman will share during the Founders Forum? Check out Innovate Carolina’s recent stories on Equiti Foods and Seal the Seasons.

This interview will be moderated by Brock Pierce with Innovate Carolina.