Working for a more just and sustainable Appalachia.
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN)’s mission is to develop and deploy economic strategies that build wealth in local communities, conserve natural and cultural resources, and empower marginalized communities. We work in collaboration across sectors, partnering with other non-profits, community groups, funders, educational institutions, local government, and private business. CAN actively pursues economic transition in Central Appalachian communities through a variety of economic sectors and market-based strategies, and currently focuses on:
How We Work
CAN is a network of networks, anchored by a Steering Committee of 7 non-profit organizations. CAN’s sector-focused networks coordinate regional analysis and strategies in areas like Food & Ag, Clean Energy, and Creative Placemaking. Our network of practitioner partners includes over 50 different organizations working on community economic development, including non-profits, local government agencies, lenders, community groups, social enterprises, and academic institutions. CAN’s roles include supporting peer-to-peer learning, collaborative strategies, organizational capacity-building, cross-sector partnership, demonstration projects, in-person convening, and field-building research & publications.
Events & Happenings
There is a lot happening across our region every day! To help share, promote, and keep track of all the activities CAN partners are involved in, use this shared calendar to share information about your upcoming events and learn about other happenings.
Stories & Resources
Chefs in School – Healthy Food Access in Appalachia
The last of these healthy food access case studies is Chefs in Schools, a program of Community Farm Alliance and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Read MoreIn Stories
Healthy Families – Family Farms: Healthy Food Access in Central Appalachia
The fifth of these healthy food access case studies is Healthy Families - Family Farms, a program of Appalachian Sustainable Development.
Read MoreIn Healthy Food AccessMore posts by topic:
Clean Energy Creative Placemaking Food systems Guest Post Healthy Food Access Policy Publication Public Health Research Stories Value ChainsGet social on
Happy Friday, despite the heat!!🌞 🌞 This week's #FarmToTableFriday we wanted to spotlight another big part of our local food system 🔃, the food buyers!! This organization is MUCH more than a local food buyer, Berea Kids Eat educates the youth and their families on local food accessiblity and healthy food options!! 💪❤ #BuyerSpotlight
Berea Kids Eat is a year-round meal sponsor program of Grow Appalachia and Berea College. They serve free summer meals for kids, Power Up Snacks and offer cooking classes. BKE utilizes fresh produce from the Berea College Farm & gardens, as well as Kentucky Proud produce ordered through Papania's Produce wholesaler. Sometimes, purchasing locally-grown farm products for your organization is as easy as asking your distributor for Kentucky Proud products
Incubating And Growing Employment-Based Social Enterprises- We wholly or partially own a family of employment-based social enterprises designed to diversify the regional economy to be less dependent on coal.