Dara Bloom

Dara Bloom is an Associate Professor and Local Foods Extension Specialist at NC State University, serving as Assistant Director of Community Based Food Systems at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS). She holds a PhD in Rural Sociology from Penn State University, focusing on Agriculture and Food Systems. Her work emphasizes strengthening local food systems, particularly through initiatives like Farm to Early Care and Education, Farm to Senior Services, and the Extension Master Food Volunteer program. She has secured over $3.5 million in grants for projects such as expanding local food procurement in childcare and senior centers, enhancing meat producers' direct-to-consumer markets, and building resilient food systems in underserved communities. Dr. Bloom's research explores food access equity, food waste reduction, and immigrant/refugee community engagement in food production. She received multiple awards for her contributions to community development and extension programs.

Education: BA from Swarthmore College, MS and PhD from Penn State University.

Research focuses on local food systems, value chain governance, and addressing food insecurity through community-led strategies. Notable collaborations include the Kellogg-funded Farm to Early Care and Education program and evaluations of central kitchens for childcare meal provision.

Grants include USDA-funded projects to connect farmers with childcare/senior institutions and support small-scale meat producers. She leads interdisciplinary teams to foster partnerships between farmers, nonprofits, and government agencies.