When Community FEaST (Food Engagement and Story Telling) returns to Sanford Mall on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 (4:30–6:00 p.m.), hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and neighbors will gather at a long, shared table for free local food, live music, and conversation.
While the theme of this year's event centers on "Connection through Food," the event itself is a testament to campus-wide organizational connection. Bringing an event of this scale to life requires a deeply collaborative effort across multiple colleges, institutes, and student initiatives.
Organized by AppalFRESH (the Appalachian Food Research for Equity, Sustainability, and Health Collaborative), Community FEaST is made possible through strong interdisciplinary backing across Appalachian State University.
A vital backbone of the event is the College of Fine and Applied Arts (CFAA). Through foundational organizational support and strong departmental ties—particularly via the Department of Sustainable Development—CFAA helps foster the creative, ecological, and community-minded spirit of the FEaST.
This institutional synergy extends across the entire university, with co-sponsorship provided by:
- Academic Colleges: Beaver College of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts, Hayes School of Music, Reich College of Education, and Walker College of Business.
- Research & Sustainability Wings: Department of Sustainable Development, Office of Research and Innovation, Research Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics (RIEEE), and Sustainability and Energy Management.
The coalition behind FEaST ensures that the event actively practices the values it discusses:
- Fighting Food Insecurity: Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to support the Mountaineer Food Hub and Food Pantry Network, administered by Sustainability and Energy Management. The event also highlights community initiatives like Boone's F.A.R.M. (Feed All Regardless of Means) Cafe.
- Zero-Waste Commitment: To minimize environmental impact, participants are asked to bring their own reusable plates, utensils, and water bottles.
- Early-Bird Giveaway: Sustainability and Energy Management will distribute a limited supply of free reusable utensil and bandana bundles to early visitors at their table.
Whether you are a student group, local non-profit, or individual community member, there are several ways to participate in this year's Community FEaST:
1. Table as a community organization
2. Support the Mountaineer Food Hub
3. Volunteer or host a table
4. Attend and bring your zero-waste gear
*photo above provided by CAS
Community FEaST 2025 thumb from CAS
Community FEaST 2025 thumb from CAS