The following organizations and groups are dedicated to building healthy local food systems. They offer a wide variety of resources for individuals looking to either access or become a part of the local food movement. Don't see you organization or group listed? Contact us to be added to this directory.
Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet)
ACEnet builds the capacity of Appalachian communities to network, work together, and innovate to create a dynamic sustainable regional economy with opportunities for all.
http://www.acenetworks.org/
Appalachian Nutrition Network (ANN)
The Appalachian Nutrition Network is a non-profit organization born out of the need to feed at-risk children in the Appalachian counties in both Ohio and West Virginia. By organizing, sponsoring, and administering USDA food and nutrition programs such as the Summer Food Service Program, the After School At-Risk program, the Youth Development Program, and the Family Child Care program, ANN is committed to combating hunger and promoting healthy life-styles and good nutrition by providing healthy food, nutrition education, and healthy activities for as many children living at or below the poverty level in Appalachia.
http://appalachiannutritionnetwork.wordpress.com/
Appalachian Staple Foods Collaborative
Staple foods provide the bulk of nutritious calories in most people's diets. We believe a local staple seed crops system is key to food & farm security and that food security is key to a green economy. Our goal is to develop that system for our region with an eye toward mapping the process and the system so it can be replicated anywhere.
Contact Michelle Ajamian and Brandon Jaeger at goodfooddirect@gmail.com
Athens Farmers’ Market
Established in 1972, the market moved to its current location in 1998 and has received recognition as one of the best markets in the nation.
Located at the University Mall on East State St., open year-round Saturdays 10-1pm, and Wednesdays April to December.
www.athensfarmersmarket.org
Central Appalachian Network
CAN is a network of seven nonprofits working in over 150 counties in the
Central Appalachian states of Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and
West Virginia. CAN employs a variety of strategies to grow value chains
in sustainable sectors like agriculture. CAN strategies 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 which build on our
social and natural capital to meet the needs of our region.
www.cannetwork.org
Chesterhill Produce Auction
The Chesterhill Produce Auction was established in 2005 by Jean and Marvin Konkle as a means to address the economic needs of the community. The auction acts as a middle wholesale operation to build connections between institutional buyers and local growers. Participation ensures growth and strength in our local food system.
May 15, 2009 is the first day of the auction, which takes place every Monday and Thursday from 4-6pm
The Chesterhill Produce Auction is located at 8380 Wagoner Rd., between Route 555 and Route 377, southwest of Chesterhill, Ohio in Morgan County.
Community Food Initiatives
Community Food Initiatives is a non-profit organization located in Athens, Ohio. Our dedication is centered in helping people grow their own food in the greater Athens County area, as well as helping to promote self-sufficiency as it relates to basic food production, preservation, and preparation. This work is rooted in community and the development of a strong local food system.
http://www.communityfoodinitiatives.com/index.html
Green Plate Club
The mission of the Green Plate Club is to improve nutrition and enhance learning environments in local public schools by promoting healthful and ecologically balanced foods in the cafeteria. To further the understanding that what’s healthy for children is healthy for the planet, we strive to bring the community values of ecological and social
interdependence, economic justice, and flourishing health into the school environment by way of the school food program.
Contact: Christine Hughes (740) 594-7311
Hocking College Dining Services
Hocking College Dining service, through the leadership of Sonja Hill-Puckett, Dietetic Technician and Director of Dining Services, is working with local farmers to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits. The goal is to keep local money here in our community. We appreciate the quality, flavor and wholesomeness of fresh local foods.
Ohio University Dining Services
Ohio University’s Dining Services has committed to sourcing and using as much local produce and products in its operations as economically feasible. Local foods have found their way into the menus of our 5 dining halls, our catering operation, food court and our fine-dining restaurant. Through our relationship with Rural Action we were introduced to the Chesterhill Produce Auction in 2007 and so began our intricate weaving within the fabric of the Athens areas robust food culture. As our students become more in tune with their food sources, they are demanding and appreciating, the relationships we are building with our local producers.
The Ohio State University Extension offices,
The Extension's mission is to help improve and strengthen the lives of Ohioans. Their clients are Ohioans - rural, urban, all ages, sizes and races.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/county/
