What creates a local food system? People. And how can a community begin to understand the hopes and dreams, the goals and missions, the intentions and plans of these people? By learning their stories. That’s what makes a recently released collection of interviews and photographs of Roanoke’s local food leaders such a gift.

This month, the Roanoke Foodshed Network (RFN) and Virginia Tech’s Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation (CFSCT) made public "Stories of Community Food Work in the Roanoke Region." Find this collection online at roanokefoodshednetwork.org, under the Stories of Community Food Work tab. The project shares 16 inspirational first-hand accounts of the Roanoke region’s farmers, food producers, distributors, activists, and more, providing an inside look at the knowledge, experiences, and connections driving positive change in our food systems.

LEAP has connections to many included in this project. Included are the stories of Executive Director Maureen McNamara Best, Director of Programs Kelly Key, and Board of Directors members Cam Terry and Rachel Burks. You’ll also find many friends of LEAP, farmers who have worked with LEAP for years, and other partners and supporters.

To learn more about the Roanoke Foodshed Network, join their online platform here. Questions? Email mo@leapforlocalfood.org.