Abstract for this workshop:

Participatory Workshop: Food Systems Innovations

Join us in brainstorming creative ways to advance the development of a just, environmentally sustainable, and economically prosperous Appalachian food system. Local food systems development can take many forms besides simply farmers’ markets and CSA’s. In this workshop participants will have the opportunity to share examples of their own innovative food systems initiatives and to learn about inspiring projects from other places in the nation and internationally. Examples of novel food systems initiatives from other regions will be used as a catalyst to spark creative thinking about how such projects could be adapted to the Appalachian context. This session will focus on identifying and valuing existing regional assets and on generating fresh and creative new ideas to advance food sovereignty and food systems development in Appalachia. Examples covered in the workshop will be tailored to the interests of the participants but could include the following areas:

Creating jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities among economically disadvantaged groups
Innovations in food systems education
Reducing hunger and food insecurity
Rural business development through mobile food processing facilities
Social food enterprise development