Finding local foods in Virginia

Consumers all over Virginia have made their wishes known: They want locally grown foods, and they’re willing to seek them out.

When you buy from local farmers, you get maximum freshness, taste and nutrition, because your food travels less from farm to table. Saving on food miles also means saving valuable energy.

How can I find locally grown food?

Growing and harvest seasons are going on in Virginia for 10 of the 12 months in the year. Locally grown grains, meats, eggs and dairy products are available year-round.

Source: Virginia Grown

You can buy products at farmers’ markets, grocery stores and small farms, as well as at roadside stands and through community-supported agriculture, or CSA, programs.

Farmers’ markets

The beauty of shopping at the local farmers’ market is you get to meet the people who grow your food. To find a market near you, visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/index.shtml.

Community-supported agriculture

CSA programs help your local growers produce the food you need. You are buying a membership in that farm, which will get you weekly boxes and bags of fresh-picked fruits, vegetables and herbs, and sometimes other products. There are many different CSA programs throughout the state. To find one near you go to: www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown-july/csa.shtml.

Pick-your-own/Select-your-own fresh produce

You or your whole family can visit a local farm and pick your own fresh produce right off the tree, bush or vine. Some offer fresh pre-picked foods as well. You can find pick-your-own operations that sell peaches, apples, strawberries, asparagus and pumpkins. To find a farm to visit, look through “Virginia Grown: Guide to Pick-Your-Own and Select-Your-Own Farm Product” at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown.

Supermarkets and grocery stores:

Many grocery stores now carry Virginia Grown produce. “You are seeing more emphasis on locally grown products, and the chain stores making an extra effort to purchase and promote those products,” said Kent Lewis, director of sales and marketing development for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Lewis said demand has grown over the past several years, and that is good news for Virginia’s consumer. “I think one reason is the consumer is more aware food quality,” he said. “They want locally grown food products. The grocers in turn want local produce that is fresh, and they see the quality that comes from our growers. It is a win-win for all involved.”