We were lucky to catch up with Carrie Brogren recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Carrie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Last year, Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies raised about $11,000 for Christmas House. Christmas House is a non-profit organization that provides gifts for hundreds of local families. The families are referred to the organization by school social workers. Our donation was used specifically to purchase grocery gift cards that were distributed to each of the families. I love that Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies can use the platform to engage in philanthropy and help support locals who are facing food insecurity.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Carrie Brogren and I founded Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook group in July of 2019. The group grew rapidly and is currently approaching 24,000 followers. The Foodie group was designed to be a positive space to discuss food/drink-related topics in the Triangle. The primary goal is to support our local food-related businesses, which became especially important during the pandemic. The group is different from other local food blogs because it offers a space where members can engage and interact with one another. It has evolved into a community of people who share the same interest in food. I also have a similar group for Western North Carolina called “WNC Foodies” Facebook group. I have the same goals and aspirations for that group.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The Foodie group had to pivot during the pandemic. Since most of us were spending more time at home, we had to find alternative ways to support our local restaurants. I created some takeout initiatives that were able to offer some financial support to some of our restaurants in need. In addition, the engagement in the group shifted focus. We began sharing recipes, etc and we offered support to one another during a time when many of us were feeling overwhelmed and anxious. The group offered a positive space to connect with others online.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal has always been to support local business. One way that I do this is by keeping the group focused on positivity. We encourage people to share positive experiences, which can be an excellent source of free advertising for local food-related businesses.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chcbfoodies
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/chcfoodies
• Other: @carolinafoodie on TikTok

Image Credits
First photo of me was taken be Heba Salama Photography. The photo of me in the group photos was taken by Trevor Holman Photography. All other photos taken by me