SIGN UP FOR LEAP'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Complicated food systems work requires stakeholders in health care, agriculture, economic development, education, conservation, and more to come together. LEAP is leading community conversations on a variety of topics, in search of solutions that create more resiliency, more prosperity, and more sustainability for our region.
The Roanoke Foodshed Network (RFN) was formed in 2020 as a way to build community and capacity between diverse partners working to address food systems change in the Roanoke region. The goals of this network have grown out of a decade of conversations with farmers, planners, and local food advocates.
Click to learn moreFarm-to-school programs empower children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.
Click to learn moreLEAP has recently renovated a 1930s-era building in the West End community, where we have been working for more than a decade. The LEAP Hub houses our nonprofit's offices, a food distribution center, and a new community space. An expanded West End Farmers Market has recently moved to the site. A retail store will open in 2024. LEAP is grateful to grow in this historic neighborhood.
Whether your goal is to buy from nearby family farmers, eat healthier on a budget, or start your entrepreneurial venture in our professional kitchen, LEAP can help! LEAP nurtures our food community. We do this to create an equitable food and farming system which prioritizes health and abundance, and by supporting community initiatives, markets, farms, and farmers.
Fill up on farm-fresh food
Visit our Farmers Markets in Grandin Village and the West End, and all around Roanoke at the LEAP Mobile Market. You’ll meet the people who grew or raised your meal and taste the difference that “picked-today” or “raised with care” makes. Or, you can support your local farmer by ordering from our LEAP Online Marketplace, or with the convenience of a weekly pick-up of fresh, seasonal food by registering for our Farm Share. All our markets offer Healthy Food Incentives – use SNAP / EBT (food stamps), P-EBT, or show proof of Medicaid, WIC, or TAP Head Start, and for every $1 you spend, get an additional $1 FREE for fruits and vegetables.
Get cooking at the LEAP Kitchen
Located in Roanoke’s West End neighborhood, The LEAP Kitchen is our certified commercial kitchen space designed to incubate new and growing small food businesses (caterers, bakers, jam makers, and more!). Learn about both the creative and the business side of the trade through the exciting on-site community programming.
A strong local food economy depends on you!
You can help by shopping at our markets, donating to LEAP, or buying a LEAP Market Gift Certificate for a friend.