Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
A welcome addition this time of year indeed! Recently, the The Local Food Hub, based in Charlottesville, has established a new partnership with the Nelson County Pantry designed to offer fresh, locally grown produce to Nelson County individuals and families in need. A recent donation of more than 400 pounds of sweet potatoes and red potatoes by Critzer Family Farms of Nelson County will be the organizations’ first joint project.
The Local Food Hub, a non-profit organization founded in Central Virginia, works to strengthen and secure a healthy regional food supply by providing small, local farmers with concrete services that support and advance their economic vitality while promoting responsible stewardship of the land.
Since its inception in mid-2009, the Local Food Hub has maintained close ties with Nelson County. “Until December 2008, the Local Food Hub was just a good idea. The financial support from the Nelson County Economic Development Association helped transform that idea into reality,” says Kate Collier, founding director of the Local Food Hub. “Today, we are working with more than thirty farms throughout Central Virginia, many located in Nelson.”
“From July though October, the Local Food Hub has invested over $21,000 directly in Nelson County farms, enabling us to provide fresh, local food to more than 35 buyers, including twelve schools in Central Virginia, and we look forward to continuing this progress” says Alan Moore, the director of operations and distribution for the Local Food Hub.
“Nelson County has some of the most amazing farms. A visit to any farm in the county is guaranteed to be a lesson in dedication, commitment, perseverance and a source of inspiration,” says Marisa Vrooman, co-director. “We are very lucky to have such a rich agricultural heritage to draw upon.”
The Nelson County Food Pantry, a member of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, is a privately funded, non-profit organization operated entirely by volunteers and funded by contributions from churches, civic organizations, businesses and private individuals. The pantry distributes food on the last Saturday of every month to more than 240 households consisting of more than 700 Nelson County residents. With the recent donation of a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, the Pantry is excited to receive local produce and distribute to those who need it most.
The freezer unit was donated by Bo Delk of Lovingston who owns Blue Dog. “That’s a $45,000 unit! He donated it, brand new. He arranged for the installation,” says Dick Nees director of The Nelson County Pantry.
Local Food Hub on the web: www.localfoodhub.org Phone: (434) 244-FARM (3276)
The Nelson Country Pantry on the web: www.nelsoncountypantry.wordpress.com Phone: (434) 263-6923.
Thank you Critzer Family Farms for the donation. Thanks to the Food Pantry folks for their efforts!