Cultivating Sustainable Development Through Food Systems-Based Initiatives in Central Appalachia

In the past century, economies and livelihoods in the rural United States have undergone rapid changes, driven by various global and local processes. These processes have contributed to growing inequalities in many areas across both the urban and rural United States, but the negative outcomes are especially concentrated in the region of Appalachia. In particular, Central Appalachia is noted for the concentration of social, economic, and environmental inequities. As a response to this, there have been numerous federally funded initiatives operating alongside community-based organizations and social movements. Given their increasing popularity within and outside of this region, this chapter examines how food systems-based interventions, produce prescription, and community-based gardening programs, in particular, have contributed to sustainable development in the region, as well as challenges they face in effectiveness.