our mission
To foster communities where everyone has equitable access to healthy, local food.
our vision
A resilient and sustainable region where everyone is nourished by a just, inclusive, and thriving local food system.
our values
Culture & Community: We value building on our assets -- natural resources, diverse community knowledge, and an Appalachian heritage of cooperation, persistence, and creativity -- and supporting everyone to see their contribution in strengthening our community.
Education & Empowerment: We believe that by sharing the knowledge to grow and prepare wholesome foods, people become empowered to feed their families, improve their health, and strengthen their community.
Justice: We are rooted in the belief that equitable access to fresh and nutritious local food leads to a safe and clean environment, supports meaningful work with livable wages, and fulfills the needs and rights of all people.
Collaboration: We believe in the strength of collaboration, mutually beneficial partnerships, and in doing better together.
our history
At Community Food Initiatives (CFI), we believe celebrating and nurturing diversity is essential to building a resilient system, whether in our community, food system, or environment. We welcome all who wish to journey with us, knowing that a team with diverse experiences fosters richer discussions and deeper understanding. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals whose identities reflect the diverse communities we serve.
CFI has been growing and sharing the harvest since 1992. While we originally planned to operate as a producer's association for ACEnet, our focus soon shifted toward a new vision. We transitioned into teaching the local community how to garden and preserve their own bounty, while simultaneously distributing fresh, healthy food to those who need it most.
We have continued to expand thanks to the vital support of our members, donors, and volunteers. Through all these years of growth and change, our core purpose remains exactly the same: to bring local, healthy food to those in need.