Who We Are

The Nourish West Virginia Initiative integrates agriculture and health to cultivate food system innovation in the Mountain State, guided by our shared vision to cultivate resilient, healthy food systems. Based at the West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural Health, Nourish runs a portfolio of programs and research, provides education and training opportunities, and convenes collaborative work supported by strong local, regional and national expertise.

Mission

To improve the health and economic prosperity of Central Appalachia through food system innovation. We do this by engaging anchor institutions, improving farmland access, and increasing agricultural workforce development using the tools of research, education, outreach, and convening.

Staff

Funders

United States Department of Agriculture

• Farm Service Agency
• National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education & Workforce Development
• Farmers Market Promotion Program
• Regional Food System Partnership

Partners

University

• West Virginia Area Health Education Centers
• West Virginia University Extension
• West Virginia University Small Farm Center
• West Virginia University Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic

State 

• West Virginia Department of Agriculture
• West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition
• West Virginia Farmers Market Association
• West Virginia Military Authority: Patriot Guardens
• Community-Based Groups
  • Black by God the West Virginian
  • Economic Development of the Greater East
  • Healthy Kids Inc.
  • Project Healthy Kids
  • High Rocks Academy Inc.
  • Greenbrier Valley Health Alliance

Regional

• Center for Dairy Excellence
• Virginia State University Cooperative Extension Small Farm Resource Center

National

• Health Care Without Harm – Community Based Initiatives
• Farm to Institution New England
• Food Systems Leadership Network