Our vision is a vibrant, regional food system where healthy food is accessible to all.

We focus on many levels of food security because we see the need to think and work holistically to ensure individuals and families have access to the healthy food.

Our approach:

  • Facilitate a network of organizations and leaders working to support food security across the region

  • Distribute backyard gardening resources and hold classes

  • Provide technical assistance to farmers and market gardeners

  • Host farm field days and create online training videos

  • Ensure access to high tunnel infrastructure and protected growing systems

  • Invest in community infrastructure

  • Strengthen community food security through summer meals and nutrition education

7.8 million pounds of organic produce grown

Over 13,000 households impacted

70+ counties in 6 states of central Appalachia

OUR VALUES

  • Collaboration

    Grow Appalachia embrace collaboration to support a region of individuals, food producers, and organizations aligned around healthy food access for all.

  • Integrity
    Grow Appalachia consistently engages with participants and collaborators with honest and ethical practices.

  • Equity
    Grow Appalachia values cultural diversity while intentionally examining the historical impacts of systemic, racial, social, ecological, and cultural inequities.

  • Inclusivity
    Grow Appalachia intentionally promotes, cultivates, and encourages the preservation of food traditions and foodways.

  • Reliability
    Grow Appalachia overcomes challenges, stands by commitments, and follows through with resolve.

  • Respect
    Grow Appalachia honors the dignity of all people and living systems.

  • Stewardship
    Grow Appalachia promotes a culture of stewardship to contribute to vital and healthy ecosystems.

Where We Work

GARDEN GRANTS

We collaborate with nonprofit partners to invest in backyard and community gardens in central Appalachia.

NUTRITION PROGRAMMING

We nurture Berea’s families through nutrition education programming, food security efforts, and free summer meals.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

We support high tunnel systems and sell high quality, organic growing supplies to generate program revenue.

FOODWAYS PRACTITIONER FELLOWSHIPS

The Appalachian Foodways Practitioner Fellowships honor, celebrate, and support foodways tradition bearers and practitioners in the Appalachian region.

FARMER DEVELOPMENT

We partner with the NRCS and other federal and state agencies agencies to provide technical assistance, educational programming, and peer networking opportunities to producers.

JOIN US

You can make a difference for thousands of families in central Appalachia. Make a contribution today!

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