News Releases from Region 04

Corbin, KY Featured at National ‘Local Foods, Local Places’ Summit

ATLANTA (July 26, 2017) Today, Corbin, KY success in growing the local food economy was highlighted at the national Local Foods, Local Places (LFLP) summit in Washington, D.C.  The summit focused on how investment in the local food economy can help boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses in communities across the country. 

“Supporting farmers and businesses helps communities’ diversify their economies to create new jobs and economic activity, and revitalize main streets and surrounding areas while also protecting the environment,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.

To grow its food economy, Corbin opened a farmers’ market on a vacant lot on main street. In the past two years, the market has helped spur downtown revitalization, reducing the vacancy rate on the main street from 40 percent to 5 percent. Andrew Salmons, Director of Downtown Corbin, spoke at the summit. 

EPA hosted about over 70 local leaders and participants, in addition to representatives from other federal agencies to discuss community-driven efforts to protect air and water quality, preserve open space and farmland, and boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses. Early analysis shows that every $3 of federal investment through LFLP has helped communities attract $55 in additional investment.

Local Foods, Local Places provides technical assistance to help communities diversify their economies through agriculture and local foods.  To date, 90 communities have received assistance through the program and its precursor program, Livable Communities in Appalachia, to create farmers markets, community kitchens and other food-related enterprises.

To see a video on Corbin’s success:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji1v9UPDK-o

To read more about community success with local foods:
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places#stories

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