About the Central Appalachian Network — CAN

For over fifteen years our network of seven nonprofits have worked in over 150 counties in the Central Appalachian states of Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Our diverse organizations employ a variety of strategies that focus on building partnerships, performing research and public education, developing policy and infrastructure, supporting entrepreneurs, providing technical and business assistance, and building value-added assets. CAN and our member organizations are leading the charge in transforming Central Appalachia’s economy by creating economic opportunities that are environmentally sustainable, building on our social and natural capital, and meeting the needs of our region’s people.

Growing Healthy Food Systems from the Ground Up

April 14th–15th, 2009 at the Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV

In April 2009, CAN hosted Growing Healthy Food Systems from the Ground Up. The event gathered the key ingredients to promoting healthy food systems in our region including food producers, distributors, markets, educators, intermediaries, agencies, academics, philanthropists and many others. Attendees came from the Central Appalachian states of Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and beyond. At the meeting we set the table for growing healthy food systems by:

• Sharing innovative and adaptable models
  of CAN member organizations and others
• Offering a menu of value chain learning opportunities
• Providing a space for participants in value chains
  to connect, partner, and collaborate

Check back soon for a full summary of the event including next steps and details on the small grant program for projects that grow sustainable agriculture value chains

CAN’s Mission

Our mission is to work with individuals, community leaders, businesses, policy makers, and other nonprofit organizations to develop and deploy new economic strategies that create wealth and reduce poverty while restoring and conserving the environment.

CAN’s Vision

We have a bold vision of a more just and sustainable Appalachia. We work for a day when the region can provide for people and ensure intact land, clean air, pure water, and healthy forests that people hold dear. We envision thousands more locally owned and regionally connected enterprises that create real economic opportunity and contribute to a high quality of life for all. We envision a place where people have sufficient economic control of their lives so they don’t have to make choices between healthy communities and providing for their families — a place where our natural resources are valued for the long term, where communities are strong, and where local and state policies promote healthy local economies and protect natural systems.

CAN Members

• Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACENet)

• Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD)

• Center for Economic Options (CEO)

• Jubilee Project, Inc.

• Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED)

• Natural Capital Investment Fund, Inc. (NCIF)

• Rural Action

Publications

In 2007, CAN hosted Building Sustainable Economies in a Shrinking World. You can find more information about the event in these two publications:

• Building Sustainable Economies in a Shrinking World

• A Report of the Central Appalachian Network Convening November 7th and 8th, 2007