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:
Distribute garden 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 through commercial kitchens and farmers markets
Combat childhood hunger relief via feeding programs and nutrition education
Facilitate a network of organizations and leaders working to support food security across the region
OUR VALUES
Equity
Grow Appalachia values cultural diversity while examining racial, social, systemic, and cultural inequities.Inclusivity
Grow Appalachia celebrates the diverse communities we serveIntegrity
Grow Appalachia consistently engages participants and partners with honest and ethical practices.Partnerships
Grow Appalachia embraces collaboration to support a region of individuals and organizations aligned around healthy food access for all.Reliability
Grow Appalachia overcomes challenges, stands by commitments, and follows through with resolve.Respect
Grow Appalachia honors the dignity of all people and their communities.
Where We Work
GARDEN GRANTS
We collaborate with nonprofit partners to invest in backyard and community gardens in central Appalachia.
CHILD NUTRITION
We work to ensure kids have access to healthy meals and life-enriching programs year-round.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
We sell high tunnels, organic fertilizer, and other growing supplies to generate programmatic income for gardening infrastructure.
COMMUNITY KITCHENS
We believe infrastructure is a critical component to sustainable community food systems, which is why we’ve helped develop more than 8 commercial kitchens.
FARMER DEVELOPMENT
We partner with the NRCS and other agencies to provide technical assistance to producers.