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
Farm to Institution to School – Healthy Food Access in Central Appalachia
The fourth of these healthy food access case studies is Farm to Institution to School, a program of Rural Action, ACEnet, Hocking College, and the Southeast Ohio Food Bank.
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Farmacy – Healthy Food Access in Appalachia
The third of these healthy food access case studies is Farmacy, a program of Community Farm Alliance, the Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation, and the University of Kentucky.
Read MoreIn Healthy Food Access, StoriesMore posts by topic:
Clean Energy Creative Placemaking Food systems Guest Post Healthy Food Access Policy Publication Public Health Research Stories Value ChainsGet social on
Jackson County Farmers Markets is one of CFA’s Kentucky Double Dollar (KDD) superstars🤩 and, if you attend their grand opening📣 on Tuesday (June 25th), you’ll see why! Not only do they double SNAP benefits and Senior👵 and WIC👶 farmers market vouchers through the KDD program but they also offer Kid’s Buck💲 that children can redeem at their market. Their pavilion will be packed with the county's best produce🌽 and value added products plus high quality arts & crafts🎨 and body products. It’s also a community event with live music🎵, kids’ activities👧, recipe sampling🥗 as well as a day where agencies that target low income populations can distribute information. If you see Cathy Howell, be sure to give her our gratitude💕 for making healthy, local farm food available to her neighbors in Jackson County! For more information, visit their website at jackson.ca.uky.edu/content/jackson-county-farmers-market
Rural Action's Country Fresh Stop Program is highlighted this week within an Athens Messenger article! The article discusses how local retailers, in food insecure areas, have partnered with Rural Action to receive fresh and local produce from the Chesterhill Produce Auction. Locations such as Coonskin Crossing in Amesville, Shrivers Pharmacies in Nelsonville and Zanesville, and the Athens Farmers Market participate in SNAP matching! Read the article to learn more about the program!
www.athensmessenger.com/news/local-retailers-add-fresh-produce-to-curb-food-insecurity/article_c2...
Local retailers add fresh produce to curb food insecurity
Residents in Athens County and beyond now have greater access to cheap fruits and vegetables in their communities.
So many West Virginians make up our beautiful state. Happy West Virginia Day! You are all exemplary.
#wvday #westvirginia #appalachia
Ohio Stream Restore Corps is still recruiting for the 2019-20 term! Take your next step with a passionate group of people who are making a concrete difference in Appalachian Ohio. Position descriptions are available at ruralaction.org/get-involved/americorps/