Sandra Ballew Barnes, CAN participant and Fresh Rx Coordinator, shares about one of Community Farm Alliance’s (CFA) successful produce prescription programs – Fresh Rx for Moms. This program provides local grown produce to expectant mothers who are on medicaid. It was piloted in Western Kentucky and through a USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), […]
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN) Fall Leadership Retreat took place on Thursday November 7th until Friday November 8th 2024 as an in-person gathering at the Ohio University Innovation Center in Athens Ohio. Facilitated by Emily Carlson of Open Circle Studio with an equity session led by Tanya Torp, the retreat allowed the CAN Leadership Team […]
We are pleased to share the Market Analysis from Downstream Strategies. The analysis includes detailed recommendations for each of our Working Groups. View PDF of Full Report Here: CAN Market Analysis There was also an in-depth report done specifically for our Clean Energy Working Group. Check it out! CEWG […]
Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by the catastrophic events from Hurricane Helene. Many people in Southern and Central Appalachia are still without power and dealing with access roads being impassable. As we continue to gather information and resources here are a couple that we wanted to share now: A trusted […]
Beginning Farmer Working Group (BFWG) participant, Weston Lombard, presented on Solid Ground Farm and its apprenticeship program during BFWG’s June virtual meeting. Solid Ground Farm is a small-scale diversified, sustainable farm and community center in Millfield, Ohio. They host youth outdoor adventure and education programs, sustainable living workshops, school field trips, farm tours, and sustainable […]
We’d like to welcome our new Working Coordinators Tessa Wieneke and Kim Ross! Tessa Wieneke will be supporting CAN’s seven Working Groups. She is passionate about capacity building and networks as a source for innovative collaboration. Previously she coordinated the Appalachian Accessible Food Network(AAFN), a partnership between the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet), Community […]
We are excited to introduce you to Tanya Torp, our new Equity Coordinator. Tanya will help to analyze the existing structure and policies of the Network, conduct a Network assessment, develop an Equity Plan for CAN, and educate Network Leadership. Tanya is a Keynote speaker, workshop leader, and facilitator versed in a wide range of […]
A New Economy Rising in Appalachia: Harnessing Network Collaboration for Community-led Development The Central Appalachian Network is pleased to release this white paper which explains why and how CAN why and how CAN exists to meet the economic and wellness needs of Central Appalachia. Dig in to read more! About this Document This white paper […]
The Central Appalachian Network seeks to deepen its engagement in justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (JEDIA) work to improve the lived experience of marginalized people (e.g. people of color; gender-expansive individuals; queer individuals; disabled individuals) and marginalized communities across Central Appalachia. This work will require analyzing the existing structure and policies of the Network, […]
Are you passionate about advancing an equitable, just, and sustainable transition in Central Appalachia? We are looking for a team member who: 🧩has a strong commitment to excellence 🧩is accountable in one’s work, impact, and collaboration 🧩has confidence that is balanced with humility, flexibility, and a sense of humor 🧩 calm, professional demeanor in situations […]
The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition (RAC) is seeking applications from interested businesses, organizations, government agencies, or individuals for grants and technical support for innovative coal mine land reclamation and ecological restoration projects. The Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition is a group of leading organizations in the Appalachian Just Transition movement: Appalachian Voices in Virginia, Coalfield Development Corporation in […]
Solar Finance Fund (SFF) had a brilliant year! SFF catalyzes solar development in local communities by providing competitive grant sub-awards, technical assistance and credit enhancements to help nonprofits, public institutions and small businesses go solar. The resulting projects create jobs, spur business growth, attract investment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, retain local wealth and increase resilience […]