About Us
Growing Appalachia, Inc. is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable agriculture and home gardening practices across communities. Our mission is to empower individuals and groups by providing accessible education, resources, and hands-on opportunities to cultivate their own food sustainably. In this way, we promote food security, self-sufficiency, and environmental stewardship.
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Founded as a response to food insecurity and a clear need for sustainable growing practices, Growing Appalachia holds the following values:
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Connection
We aim to foster collaboration between individuals of different backgrounds, uniting our neighbors in the shared goal of community wellness. -
Education
We believe in empowering people through lifelong learning, sharing essential knowledge on sustainable practices that promote food security and enrich lives. -
Community
We value the strength of community, cultivating spaces where individuals support one another and work together toward a healthier, more resilient food system. -
Environmental Stewardship
We are dedicated to practices that protect biodiversity, promote soil restoration, and encourage regenerative farming.
Meet the Founders
Rebecca Newbold and Kegan Tracey, founders of Growing Appalachia, inc., share a deep commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of their community.
Rebecca, with a background in mental health, education, and research, recognized a pressing need to address wellness and food security in the region. Kegan, a Georgia native and veteran, felt a strong desire to ensure community members have sustainable food sources and the skills to grow their own food independently.
When working together learning how to grow food for their own family, they realized their shared passion for community empowerment and environmental sustainability. This led to the creation of Growing Appalachia, where they work together to make a lasting impact.
