Growing Local: Meet ASAP

The way we eat and the way we live are intertwined. Agriculture sustains us and connects us with the farmers who grow our food and the markets, grocers, chefs, and home cooks that bring it to our table. For over 20 years, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project - or ASAP - has helped local farms flourish. The nonprofit organization works to support farmers by creating awareness about the value of local food offering resources to growers, among many other things. Connecting farmers with food buyers, certifying local food as Appalachian Grown, and putting together the Local Food Guide are just a few ways that ASAP supports local food. Building community is also a key piece of ASAP’s work. Organizing and supporting farmers markets across the region encourages the public to learn about local food and to form bonds with the farmers they see each week. Engaging the next generation is also important. ASAP’s Farm-to-School program encourages local schools to incorporate gardening, cooking, and farm field trips into their lesson plans. Building positive relationships between kids and local food enriches their lives from the ground up and fosters a link between our farms and our future. Each Monday on WNCW 88.7, ASAP will share stories from our local food community. Videos, photos, and ways to get involved can be found anytime at ASAP Connections dot org.