Mountains of Abundance: A Fruit and Vegetable Walking Program in Central Appalachia.

Abstract

On Thursday evenings, June through August, a main street leading into a small town in eastern Kentucky is closed off and tents erected. Participants in a fruit and vegetable walking program can be seen strolling into the county farmers’ market from the Tanglewood walking trail. Shoppers can browse an array of fruits, vegetables, honeys, breads, and other countymade goods then stick around for a nationally sponsored Levitt Amp concert on the hill beside the market (Levitt Foundation 2019). The sun sets behind a large outdoor stage and musicians from across the world perform for a growing crowd. The concerts contribute to the farmers’ Market’s lively and exciting atmosphere. “Being at the market,” one resident told me, “It’s just cool, it’s like everybody addicted going to Starbucks, you know, that vibe.”