The LEAP Hub

At the end of 2021, LEAP was awarded $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to enhance local food systems and support urban agriculture. LEAP invested in the West End neighborhood, a community where we first put down roots more than a decade ago.
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Inside The LEAP Hub, we constructed offices and a food distribution center, where produce and proteins are delivered from area farms and regional food hubs, then packed onto our Mobile Market, into our Farm Shares, and delivered to our Community Produce Program partners.

In June 2024, we opened LEAP Community Store to give our community greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables. To complete the multi-year investment, LEAP began construction in 2025 on the West End Farmers Market Pavilion, a permanent structure to house the West End Farmers Market.

Image of the mural in the West End Community Room

The Gathering Place

At the front corner of The LEAP Hub, behind large plate glass windows, a stunning work of art covers one wall. This is The Gathering Place, a room designed to be used by the community.

If you’re in search of a place to meet, teach a class, or host a community conversation, let us know. We have guidelines in place for use of the room. We prioritize groups who work in the West End and groups working on subjects including food access, food systems, nutrition, and local agriculture. To request use of the room, fill out this form .
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Questions? Email info@leapforlocalfood.org

Image of a community dinner at the LEAP West End community center

West End Community Dinners

Before 2020, there was a beautiful, organic coming together of the West End community, over meals on Wednesday nights in the pavilion behind the Freedom First Credit Union branch at 1210 Patterson Ave. The food was donated by the Roanoke Co+op; the space was provided by LEAP. Volunteers helped cook and serve the food.

These community dinners returned in 2023 have continued to evolve with the support of volunteers and supporters. Stay tuned for 2026 schedule!

Also in the West End

West End Farmers Market

Every Tuesday, from 3 to 6 pm, year round, LEAP hosts farmers, bakers, and food producers for a thriving weekday market. All are invited to shop at the West End Farmers Market! West End Farmers Market participates in a $1 for $1 match of fresh fruits and vegetables for people with SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid, and provide $5 Kids Bucks for all kids ages 2-17.

LEAP Community Store

In Roanoke’s West End neighborhood, fresh fruits and vegetables are often hard to find. The LEAP Community Store is a brick-and-mortar shop that offers fresh and locally produced food to the community 4 days per week! LEAP Community Store provides a 50% discount on fresh fruits and vegetables for people with SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid.

LEAP Kitchen

The LEAP Kitchen, now in the LEAP Hub, turns excess and undesirable local produce into frozen and prepared products for sale, minimizing food waste while maximizing farmers’ sales and providing a variety of value-added foods for customers. The LEAP Kitchen hosts weekly volunteers and prepares food for sale in LEAP's Community Store and Mobile Market.

LEAP Community Gardens

LEAP manages three community gardens. Two of them are located on the edges of the West End community—Hurt Park Community Garden and Mountain View Community Garden. LEAP Community Gardens offer beautiful spaces for the community to grow their own food and connect with a great group of people.

leap in the west end