Farmers, Schools, Markets and More Come Together to Expand Food Access in Virginia

In partnership with: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry, yet roughly 8% of the state’s population struggles with access to food. To ensure a plentiful food system, government agencies, nonprofits, retailers and farmers collaborate to combat food insecurity.

Feeding a Need

“Over one-third of the farmers markets in Virginia are in food deserts,” says Kim Hutchinson, executive director of the Virginia Farmers Market Association. “That means these markets are residents’ main access point to fresh produce, meats, dairy, etc.”

There are approximately 250 markets in Virginia, with most accepting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program),
WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and other programs.

Virginia’s Fresh Match, for example, doubles the amount of produce SNAP users can buy at markets. Thanks to support from the General Assembly, Farm Market Fresh, administered by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, has further filled in gaps for eligible seniors and families.

“Farm Market Fresh vouchers are exclusively allotted for purchases of fruits, vegetables and fresh-cut herbs grown and sold by authorized farmers at markets,” Hutchinson says. “In addition to aiding nutritional access for low-income seniors and WIC families, funds are fed back into Virginia’s agriculture community. We’re implementing broad programming to get healthy foods to Virginia’s most vulnerable populations.”

See more: Virginia Commodities Go Global Through Exporting

Lessons Learned

Other leaders share Hutchinson’s comprehensive sentiment, including Jenny Jeffries, supervisor of nutritional services for Page County Public Schools. She prioritizes partnerships with local farmers to impact both nutritional and economic outcomes.

“A locally grown product has a longer shelf life and, oftentimes, a more distinctive taste,” Jeffries says. “This helps students learn about proper nutrition and understand how their food is produced by local workers.”

Page County Public Schools relies on six partners to meet weekly food supply needs, but Jeffries says she’s willing to go the extra mile to supplement.

“We hope to ease hesitation of local farmers who may worry about fulfilling partnerships with large buyers, like schools,” Jeffries says. “We’re able to accept partial quantities and offset the difference through other channels. We’d even welcome one-time purchases should growers have occasional excess.”

The fluidity of menu planning has influenced students’ willingness to try new foods and preparation styles. Jeffries says students are more inclined to choose and enjoy fruits and vegetables beyond what’s required to be on their plate, which is significant considering that more than 80% of Page County’s students are eligible for free and reduced lunch.

See more: Poultry and Eggs Provide a Multibillion-Dollar Direct Impact on Virginia’s Economy

Got Milk?

Other counties are pouring efforts into lunchroom milk offerings, with the goal of boosting intake of this nutrient-dense beverage. And it’s working. A pre- and post-milk dispenser study by Harrisonburg City Public Schools found daily milk consumption increased by 52%, with a 91% reduction in packaging waste.

“Temperature can impact the flavor and quality of milk, so the milk dispensers help ensure we’re serving a consistently cold product to students,” says Eric Paulson, executive director of the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association (VSDA). “The Dairymen’s Association is willing to assume the cost for any Virginia county to transition to its first milk dispenser, so there’s no risk in trying.”

Since the project’s inception in May 2022, VSDA has placed 24 milk dispensers throughout 13 counties. Furthermore, counties placed an additional 30 dispensers.

VSDA also prioritizes its Milk for Good campaign, a collaborative effort with the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, Dairy Alliance, and Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association.

“Milk is among the most requested, yet least available products at food banks,” Paulson says. “The Milk for Good campaign aims to fund not only milk but the necessary refrigeration systems.”

See more: Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Helps Provide an Oasis for Food Deserts