Perry County, Kentucky is in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. The region is known for its natural beauty and is considered an ideal destination for outdoors enthusiasts. Hiking and ATV trails are a favorite pastime for both visitors and residents. The economy has struggled with the decline of the coal industry and many families face food insecurity as a result. In the spring of 2015, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky engaged community stakeholders in a community assessment and planning around the nexus of food, health, and the economy. Families are tight-knit and extended family members play an important role in informal food networks. Perry County Schools are small and mirror the close bonds found in their communities. The school system offers every child free lunch and also provides summer feeding programs to ensure children have meals when school is out of session. The region boasts a rich cultural heritage: music, story-telling, hiking, rock-climbing, fishing, meal sharing, gardening, and endurance are woven into the tapestry of the hills. It is of the utmost importance that members honor the strength and dignity of our community. The region is very much still recovering from horrific flooding and the trauma of those events are evident in the landscape as well as the stories of our neighbors. It is important that members respect perspectives about food instead of offering opinions; our goal is to inspire discovery and empower children with choice. Our communities are ever-changing, strong, and resourceful with complex and important networks of support, and we work to be a common thread that connects these systems.