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Dear friends,
There’s no doubt that the last couple years have required strength and creativity. At ASAP, the challenges of the pandemic, and disasters like Tropical Storm Fred this past summer, have also inspired resilience and gratitude.
 As someone who wants to keep family farmers farming, you are no stranger to the concept of resilience. Despite challenges, our local farmers feed and nourish us because of their resilience. We are so grateful to them and the many small businesses who we are honored to work with.
With your help in 2021, ASAP was able to support farmers through training, one-on-one assistance, and with direct financial relief after the tropical storm. We also came together to support farmers by helping our fellow community members at the same time. ASAP’s Double SNAP program has doubled nearly $250,000 in SNAP dollars across eight farmers markets this year. Our Appalachian Farms Feeding Families program purchased nearly the same amount from farms. All of that produce went to food relief sites. Thanks to you, between these two food access programs we infused half a million dollars into the local food economy and directly into the pockets of farmers. We are so grateful for all the farmers markets that provide a health-supporting space to build community and support our neighbors through this difficult year. And we are so grateful to all the food relief sites who are keeping food on the tables of those most in need.
 In 2021, ASAP also continued lifting up and supporting educators and school staff. It’s a testament to the resilience of our teachers and school nutrition staff that through all the complications of the pandemic, kids are excited to garden and full of joy when tasting new foods. We are so grateful for teachers and staff who ensure students have access to fresh, local food.
We are also so grateful for YOU. It’s only with your support that we can connect our communities with fresh healthy food, sustain local economies, and preserve working farmland.
2022 marks ASAP’s 20th anniversary! We will continue to expand and adapt our work to meet our mission of building strong farms and healthy communities. When ASAP produced our first Local Food Guide in 2002, there were few opportunities for farmers to sell to local markets and few places to shop or eat locally grown foods. So much has changed—with your support. We’ve seen firsthand how the relationships, connections, and hard work over two decades is building a vibrant local food system.
Together, all of us have accomplished so much, and we know there is still so much to achieve. Please help ASAP with a donation as we enter 2022 so that we can continue this vital work. Visit asapconnections.org/donate to donate securely online.
We wish you a healthy and happy new year!
Charlie Jackson and Molly Nicholie
Co-Directors
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Brian Asbill, President
Carrie Keller, Vice President
Julie Jensen, Secretary
Amy Ager, Treasurer
Duane Adams
Frank Castelblanco
Nilofer Couture
William Dissen
Craig Mauney
Lisa C. Payne
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