More locally-grown food heading to schools in the Star City
ROANOKE, Va. – More local, fresh food is coming to students in the Star City. Roanoke nonprofit Local Environmental Agriculture Project, or LEAP, is celebrating that growth this week by going straight to the consumers. “Bringing more education about food and where it comes from and getting healthy food into the hands of kids is super important,” said Susanna Thornton, owner of Thornfield Farm in Fincastle. Now, there’s a new opportunity looking to the future, putting more locally-grown food in Roanoke schools. They’ll teach kids and distribute food at the Boys & Girls Club on Thursday.
National Farmers Market Week: Spotlighting community value amidst a pandemic
ROANOKE, Va. National Farmers Market Week takes new meaning at a time where the demand for local fresh food has cranked up since the start of this pandemic. Even though LEAP isnt having its usual National Farmers Market Week events doesnt mean the hard work of everyone involved these past several months will go unnoticed. LEAP runs three farmers markets including its mobile market that makes 7-8 stops a week. At the start of the pandemic, they had curbside farmers markets and developed an online market. Here is a link to help find a farmers market near you.
LEAPing into action: How you can help save Roanoke’s community gardens
The nonprofit connects people to local produce, supports local farmers and offers discounts so the community can afford fresh fruits and veggies. “I think it’s really valuable for people to know where their food comes from,” said Lev. "And to be able to take part in that, is hugely powerful.”That’s why he said the four community gardens in Roanoke are so beneficial. When LEAP discovered that the Roanoke Community Garden Association—which has run the gardens in the city for the past 11 years—would have to shut its doors, they leaped into action. The need for these community gardens is there.
Firefighter killed, 6 people injured in Maine building explosion
A firefighter was killed and multiple people were injured in an explosion at the LEAP facility in Farmington, Maine, according to a spokeswoman with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. (CNN) - One firefighter was killed and at least six people were injured in a building explosion in Farmington, Maine, on Monday, officials said. One member of the fire department was killed, and four other firefighters, a LEAP employee and a Northstar Ambulance employee were injured, police said. Police said the LEAP building was destroyed and multiple homes in the area were damaged. "Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragedy, especially to the loved ones of the firefighter lost and others injured.