ASHEVILLE - Asheville is known for its vibrant food culture and commitment to sustainability. However, alongside a community of passionate foodies, there are individuals experiencing food insecurity. The Asheville Edibles Map aims to bridge this gap by highlighting the abundance of edible plants available for foraging, sharing, and cultivating by locals and visitors. The map also seeks to serve as an educational tool to inspire more edible plantings on private and public property. Bountiful Cities, a local nonprofit dedicated to food security and urban agriculture, is partnering with the Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council and the City of Asheville to relaunch this virtual, interactive map with enhanced features. 

In 2018, Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council and Asheville City Sustainability staff initiated an edibles inventory project, collaborating with UNCA students, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Real Estate departments, and community groups familiar with edible plants in parks and public spaces. This project resulted in a comprehensive database of edible locations throughout the city. 

The relaunch of the Asheville Edibles Map introduces several exciting updates. Previously relying on crowd-sourced information, the map now benefits from the expertise and oversight of Bountiful Cities. The partnership ensures that the information provided on the map is accurate and reliable, offering a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike. 

The Asheville Edibles Map encourages community engagement, inviting locals to contribute their own knowledge of edible projects, plantings, and gardens. By collectively sharing information, the map becomes a dynamic platform that fosters collaboration and promotes a sustainable food ecosystem.

To explore the Asheville Edibles Map, visit this website. If you would like to contribute new sites or information to the map please fill out this form. Join us in discovering the diverse edible landscape of Asheville and take part in nurturing a thriving and inclusive city environment. 

ABFPC's vision is that all residents of Buncombe County have access to and the option to cultivate and prepare nutritious food within a resilient and sovereign foodshed that sustainably harvests and conserves farmland, forests, and water resources, sustains our population, collaborates with neighboring counties, and ensures a thriving agriculture-related economy. 

Bountiful Cities' vision is to help create and support abundant, food-sovereign communities. Bountiful Cities is committed to holistic sustainability through integrated food systems, food security and production, and job creation. Since its beginning, the nonprofit has been engaging communities, teaching urban agricultural skills, and advocating for healthy food systems that are accessible to all. Bountiful Cities believes education is a lifelong process that involves exchanging knowledge and experience. Growing from this understanding, the nonprofit is committed to supporting shared exchange by role modeling and facilitating events, programming, and experiential education. 

Source: ABFPC