Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Midweek Serenity Sound Bath
Jul 10 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Center or Spiritual Living Asheville

Center your mind, body and spirit with a soothing Sound Bath!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 6:15 PM, doors close promptly at 6:30 PM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Thursday, July 11, 2024
The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 11 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Adult Mental Health Series: Opportunities to Help in a Crisis Time
Jul 11 @ 1:00 pm
Leicester Library

Want to learn more about managing depression and nervous energy? Got questions about medications or  emotional implications of chronic illness? Join Vaya Health’s Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty team for a series of classes at the Enka-Candler and Leicester Libraries

Classes are free to attend, but registration is required. Please visit the Vaya Health calendar to register. Everyone is welcome.

An individual can experience a crisis suddenly and without warning, especially when symptoms of a mental illness are involved. As a caregiver or responder, possessing skills that support de-escalation is imperative. Did you know that you can help? This course provides information about crises in older adults, barriers to de-escalation, and specific methods of stabilizing support.

Friday, July 12, 2024
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
Jul 12 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 12 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Saturday, July 13, 2024
The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 13 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Sunday, July 14, 2024
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
Jul 14 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 14 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Barn Yoga
Jul 14 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

A Hickory Nut Gap tradition, back by popular demand! Bring your mat and mindfulness to the Big Barn to get centered.

Mary Beth believes yoga should be potent, but playful. She strives to deliver fluid, well balanced vignettes that offer physical expansion and mental restoration. She teaches gentle and vinyasa flow, all levels welcome! Variations encouraged, feel free to bring blocks, blankets or straps.

Make a day of it! Class lets out when the Farm Store opens, come shop the Farm Store for local meats and grocery goodies, grab a beer or beverage and wander the farm grounds to see the animals. Yogis get 10% off meat and eggs on class day.

Time: 9am-10am

Dates: April 28th | May 26th | June 30th | July 28th | August 25th | September 29th | October 27th

Price: $18/class OR Full Season, 7 classes for $100!

Flower Pounding Workshop and Private Salt Cave session
Jul 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Salt Cave

Flower-Pounding Workshop & Private Salt Cave Session Merging nature, art, and wellness!

Come spend a morning enjoying the beautiful gardens of Asheville Salt Cave.
Learn the art of flower-pounding and design your own reusable canvas bag.
Following the instruction and creation time, we will transition inside the Salt Cave for a healing meditation session.
Our morning will finish with an herbal tea sampling and an opportunity to walk the newly constructed labyrinth in the garden.

Register now:
Space is limited. $80 per person Tickets are nonrefundable once purchased. Please be mindful of your volume as you move about our entire space, as others are in healing sessions.

Adult Water Aerobics
Jul 14 @ 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s Outdoor Pool

Saturdays from June 15-August 10, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s Outdoor Pool

10-10:50am .:. Free for Ages 60+ and $3 for Ages 18-59

B.A.L.L. (Be Active Live Longer) gentle water aerobics incorporate effective strategies to improve cardio fitness, build strength, boost mood, and ease joint pain.

Summer Cooling Flow
Jul 14 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
One World Brewing West

According to the science of Ayurveda, heat, inflammation, and irritation rise in our bodies over the summer. We use our yoga practice to cool our bodies every week to insure we are not allowing toxins and inflammation to build.

Must have some experience with yoga. Class is held outside on the backyard stage at One World Brewing West. Bring a mat and water bottle!

Drop ins welcome, no need to preregister.

Monday, July 15, 2024
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
Jul 15 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 15 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024
The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 16 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Mobility Strength Yoga
Jul 16 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Asheville YMCA

Join us at the Asheville YMCA for some yoga that will help with strength and mobility!

This event is free and open to everyone.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
Jul 17 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 17 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Thursday, July 18, 2024
The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 18 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Friday, July 19, 2024
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
Jul 19 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 19 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Saturday, July 20, 2024
The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 20 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Sunday, July 21, 2024
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
Jul 21 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

The Arts Build Community Grant
Jul 21 all-day
online

The Arts Build Community Grant has supported arts-based community projects for underserved communities since 2018. Grants range from $1,000-$2,500, with priority given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Funds may be used to cover costs including art supplies, professional artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, props, music, and equipment rental. Applications are open June 24 and closes July 22.

Barn Yoga
Jul 21 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

A Hickory Nut Gap tradition, back by popular demand! Bring your mat and mindfulness to the Big Barn to get centered.

Mary Beth believes yoga should be potent, but playful. She strives to deliver fluid, well balanced vignettes that offer physical expansion and mental restoration. She teaches gentle and vinyasa flow, all levels welcome! Variations encouraged, feel free to bring blocks, blankets or straps.

Make a day of it! Class lets out when the Farm Store opens, come shop the Farm Store for local meats and grocery goodies, grab a beer or beverage and wander the farm grounds to see the animals. Yogis get 10% off meat and eggs on class day.

Time: 9am-10am

Dates: April 28th | May 26th | June 30th | July 28th | August 25th | September 29th | October 27th

Price: $18/class OR Full Season, 7 classes for $100!

Adult Water Aerobics
Jul 21 @ 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s Outdoor Pool

Saturdays from June 15-August 10, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s Outdoor Pool

10-10:50am .:. Free for Ages 60+ and $3 for Ages 18-59

B.A.L.L. (Be Active Live Longer) gentle water aerobics incorporate effective strategies to improve cardio fitness, build strength, boost mood, and ease joint pain.

Summer Cooling Flow
Jul 21 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
One World Brewing West

According to the science of Ayurveda, heat, inflammation, and irritation rise in our bodies over the summer. We use our yoga practice to cool our bodies every week to insure we are not allowing toxins and inflammation to build.

Must have some experience with yoga. Class is held outside on the backyard stage at One World Brewing West. Bring a mat and water bottle!

Drop ins welcome, no need to preregister.

Family Zumba
Jul 21 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Asheville YMCA

Join us at the Asheville YMCA for this billigual Zumba class that is open to kids and their families!

This event is free and open to everyone.

Serenity Sound Bath
Jul 21 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Center or Spiritual Living Asheville

Come in from the heat and immerse yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Monday, July 22, 2024
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
Jul 22 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.