Participation Type
Roundtable
Session Title
Session 5.12 Economic Development
Presentation #1 Title
Food Security and Community Development
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The roundtable discussion will address the topic of Food Security and its impact on Community Growth and Development. There are many challenges facing central Appalachian communities today. The average family has become increasingly unaware of where their food comes from. Simultaneously, fresh, local food has also become scarce. Unemployment, obesity and type II diabetes rates continue to rise. Our discussion will focus on food security as a means to develop communities through health, economy and self-reliance. The group will address food security at the family level and how it strengthens and ties the webs of our communities together. Discussion will also feature leaders from developing food-secure communities to share successes and failures in their work. Participants will look at the relationship between the people and the land and how small-scale growers can become entrepreneurs and develop local economies. When food grows, communities and families grow, too. Conversation and questions are expected throughout the roundtable. Anticipated outcomes include increased awareness of community building opportunities surrounding local foods as well as encouraging networking for future partnerships and successful models for future planning.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
David Cooke, a native of Southern West Virginia, is director of the Berea College Appalachian Fund and the food security program Grow Appalachia. He holds degrees from Berea College and West Virginia University.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Candace Mullins, grew up in Danville, KY and moved to Berea, KY to pursue a Business Marketing degree at Berea College. She currently works at Grow Appalachia as the Coordinator of Marketing & Evaluations.
Food Security and Community Development
The roundtable discussion will address the topic of Food Security and its impact on Community Growth and Development. There are many challenges facing central Appalachian communities today. The average family has become increasingly unaware of where their food comes from. Simultaneously, fresh, local food has also become scarce. Unemployment, obesity and type II diabetes rates continue to rise. Our discussion will focus on food security as a means to develop communities through health, economy and self-reliance. The group will address food security at the family level and how it strengthens and ties the webs of our communities together. Discussion will also feature leaders from developing food-secure communities to share successes and failures in their work. Participants will look at the relationship between the people and the land and how small-scale growers can become entrepreneurs and develop local economies. When food grows, communities and families grow, too. Conversation and questions are expected throughout the roundtable. Anticipated outcomes include increased awareness of community building opportunities surrounding local foods as well as encouraging networking for future partnerships and successful models for future planning.
