Feeding our future in Eastern Kentucky

The Appalachian Food Story Project is an initiative of Community Farm Alliance to tell the story of how local food and farming in Eastern Kentucky can contribute to a bright future in the mountains. Eastern Kentucky is at the point where it can foster a food system that is equitable and accessible to all, provides fresh nutritious food, and serves as an economic generator that builds community wealth. With a rich history of food and farming, stories of how Eastern Kentucky is already growing in that direction – and the challenges along the way – are important for informing people and policy alike.

A group of five Fellows working on the Appalachian Food Story Project seek out, collect, and uplift the stories of individuals, families, and businesses that are working to improve Eastern Kentucky’s food system. Fellows work in collaboration with other regional communications efforts and the collected stories are available through a variety of media.

Read & Listen to the stories.

Download the Breaking Beans podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

In the mountains? Tune in to 88.7 WMMT (online too!) the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm to catch the Breaking Beans Variety Show featuring stories, interviews, recipes, and news from the food and farming worlds in the Appalachian region! Hosted by the Eastern Kentucky Food System Collaborative Coordinator, Sister Kathy Curtis.

Read the 2014-2015 Project Final Report.

CFA has been working since 1985 on local and regional food system development in rural, urban and mountain communities. Through direct action and research, CFA members have proven that local food systems can have substantial long-term impact for creating jobs, improving health through better nutritional, and alleviating poverty.

At the core of CFA’s work is to create leaders, first in their communities and on their issues, and then before policy makers. First and foremost, we listen to people, their problems and their ideas for solutions, because the most powerful and effective tool people have are their stories.