Our conviction is that when West Virginia farmers and food producers become more directly connected to West Virginia consumers, the results include healthier people, greater business opportunities, stronger communities, and a unique economy reflecting our state’s proud heritage of self-sufficient food production. We are especially dedicated to the success of small-but-growing West Virginia food businesses and beginning farmers focused on selling to local consumers. To advance these ends, the Coalition helps build linkages among farmers, processors, distributors, educators, agencies, nonprofits, farmers markets, restaurants, youth groups, institutional food service, and anyone else interested in making our local food economy stronger. Rather than launching food enterprises or building big programs and facilities of its own, the Coalition’s office serves these groups by answering questions, raising awareness about useful resources that already exist, identifying and sharing successful business models, and helping people to connect with each other on collaborative projects. The Coalition also works to create venues where West Virginians can discuss big-picture issues related to West Virginia food and agriculture, and talk collaboratively about how to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Many agencies and organizations exist in West Virginia to support food eaters, food producers and everyone in between. We seek to tie the threads together and to help continue a statewide conversation among multiple sectors about how to help West Virginia’s local food economy grow.
