Why start in Appalachia?
Industrial-era sites offer power, space, and logistics we can reuse. Strong civic networks and schools make replication practical.
What Makes Appalachia Ideal
Five converging factors make the region unusually well-suited to a replicable food-and-energy model.
Re-use of Legacy Assets
- Existing substations & gas lines
- Rail infrastructure
- Available rooftops & brownfields
- Industrial logistics networks
Partner Density
- GrowOV urban agriculture
- Oglebay education reach
- Food Helpers distribution
- CNX energy expertise
- Land-grant universities
Workforce Ready
- Skilled trades available
- New CEA/energy training
- Career pathway programs
- Paid apprenticeships
Community Venues
- Schools for farm-to-table
- Parks for events
- Zoos for education
- Direct family engagement
Policy Momentum
- ARC ARISE planning support
- DOE workforce initiatives
- State distributed-energy pilots
- Brownfield incentives
Where We're Working
Strategic sites across the tri-state region leverage existing infrastructure and community partnerships.
Community Voices
Real questions from people across Appalachia—and our answers.
That is the goal. Once built, our controlled-environment greenhouses combined with aggregation hubs are designed to supply fresh produce to retail stores, schools, and pantries throughout all seasons. No more relying on produce shipped hundreds of miles.
Our target is efficiency-first design. We use behind-the-meter energy options where viable, and PSU's modeling team optimizes costs for each site. Reusing heat and CO₂ from power generation, the EnergiAcres circular model, is meant to lower overall energy costs while increasing local food access.
Communities can get involved by helping identify potential sites, connecting us with local partners, and exploring co-funding opportunities. We are building a replication toolkit to accelerate the process.
We create both skilled trades positions (HVAC, electrical, construction) and new careers in controlled-environment agriculture and energy systems. Plus educational roles, distribution jobs, and small business incubation opportunities.
Our first demonstration site breaks ground as soon as we've closed the public-private partnerships needed to fund it—we're building that coalition now in WV, PA, and OH. Expansion to additional counties follows as we refine and replicate the model. Site selection depends on partner alignment, funding, and infrastructure readiness.
Propose a Food Center Site
Know a brownfield, vacant building, or underutilized space that could become a community Food Center? Share the basics with us.
We'll review your submission and reach out if it's a good fit for our replication model.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our replicable model and see how your community can benefit.