The Eastern Kentucky Food Systems Collaborative is a network of farmers, gardeners, producers, consumers, health professionals, educators, extension agents and more who are dedicated to building, strengthening and connecting the Eastern Kentucky food system. It is a project of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development in Berea, KY, and the Community Farm Alliance in Frankfort, KY, with support from the University of Kentucky Appalachian Center.
Mission
"This network aims to support the regional food system through information sharing, promoting education, advocating for policy change and building markets for Eastern Kentucky products."
| Type of Organization | Non-Profit |
| Website | Eastern Kentucky Food Systems Collaborative |
| Primary Contact | |
| Social Media |
History of Organization
This project was initially started by Community Farm Alliance and the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development, with support from the UK Appalachian Center. It is currently housed and staffed by Community Farm Alliance.
Projects and Programs
Four working groups have been identified as areas in which the participants in the EKFSC would like to lift up on the local level in their communities and in the region at large:
Community and School Gardens: The purpose of the Community and School Gardens work group is to create and provide a network and technical support for those wanting to start and sustain school and community gardens to increase access to fresh, local and healthy food.
Community Education: The purpose of the Community Education work group is to educate on the value of local food, to inspire engagement and to motivate action in support of healthy, safe food systems in Eastern Kentucky.
Market Development: The purpose of the Market Development work group is to support multiple, high quality, diverse markets for Eastern Kentucky producers to make a sustainable living in the Appalachian economy.
Producer Support: The purpose of the Producer Support work group is to develop and share a network of resources that sustainably supports Eastern Kentucky producers in acheiving their goals and successfully serving their markets.
