For the People

BY SHANNON HOLBROOK

Last summer’s floods ravaged Eastern Kentucky, washing away families’ hard-earned fresh food sources, like gardens and greenhouses. In Knott County, Hindman Settlement School (HSS) is helping rebuild these resources through a unique program that builds community, supports the local food systems, and helps preserve the culture.

Last year, its Roots and Rows program helped 54 families learn how to grow and preserve their own food. The school provides what it can, including seeds, supplies, tools, accessible gardens, training, and education.

“It’s an intersection of food and culture combined,” said Josh Mullins, senior director of program development, HSS. “We focus on food insecurity and helping families have access to food, as well as how to uplift and infuse the mountain traditions today.”

HSS also invites the broader community to learn those traditions in classes that teach things such as how to make chow chow, prepare shucky beans, plant by the signs, and forage for mushrooms — all part of Appalachian tradition.

“We invite expert guest speakers who also understand our philosophy, and then try to engage the local community to teach,” Mullins said.

Many educational opportunities are available online as well, like “What’s Cookin’ Now,” a monthly livestream cooking show, and its “Agrilachia” webinar series, which features food experts discussing the local food movement and culture.

HSS works to bring the community in for multiple events, like workshops, weekly farmers’ markets, and special events, such as Dumplin’s and Dancin’, a weekend celebrating Appalachia’s unique food culture with hands-on activities.

“Things were on a pause since the flood, but we’ll be doing more this spring,” Mullins explained.

Floods damaged much of the campus, including the farm. But the school worked tirelessly to rebuild while also continuing its community outreach to help neighbors struggling without food, water, or shelter.

HSS has been hosting its popular Gather & Grow events for the public since November to build community through healing, food, and conversation. It brings in mental health providers, counselors, musicians, restaurateurs, and guest chefs for the event.

Well known for its workshops for writers and folk arts, HSS was the first rural settlement school in America, founded in 1902. In 2018, the school won CAP’s Champions of Appalachia award, recognizing individuals and organizations that have a long-term positive impact on the lives of people in the region. Visit hindman.org to learn more.