Shanna Ratner participated in an ad hoc think tank convened by Appalachian Sustainable Development on the role of social enterprises in building and strengthening local food value chains. 25 representatives of businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies from across the Eastern United States gathered in Marion, VA to engage in a reflective, productive, practical dialogue about the work of strengthening local food value chains. The conversation focused specifically on Appalachian Harvest, a social enterprise operated by Appalachian Sustainable Development. Shanna participated in the ad hoc think tank in her role as a member of the resource team at the Ford Foundation’s Wealth Creation in Rural Communities – Building Sustainable Livelihoods initiative.
Innovators in Rural Community Economic Development
