The Farms to Food Banks program connects Virginia’s generous growers with families who need access to healthy foods. Though agriculture is the largest private industry in the Commonwealth, about 1 in 9 Virginians are facing hunger. This initiative ensures that local, nutritious groceries reach families in need while creating economic opportunities for our farmers and agribusinesses.
In 2024, Virginia’s food banks partnered with 65 local agricultural partners like 4P Foods to distribute nearly 2 million pounds of fresh produce to communities across the state. By working at scale and leveraging private, state, and federal funding, Farms to Food Banks maximizes impact—supporting both food access and farm sustainability. Through this initiative, the excellence of Virginia’s growers fuels healthier, stronger communities, proving that local food is not just a solution to hunger but also a driver of economic resilience.
How do Virginia’s food banks partner with local farmers?
- The Food Crop Donation Tax Credit enables growers to receive a state tax credit of 50% of market value (up to $10,000 per donor per year) when donating agricultural products to food banks. Learn more here and contact Greg Knight (gknight@brafb.org) if you are interested in making a donation to one or more regional food banks.
- The Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program (VAFAP) provides more than $1 million in grant funds each year to pay for the harvesting, packaging, processing, and freight costs of Virginia-grown products for the food bank network
- The Virginia Farms to Families Food Box Program uses the power of bulk purchasing to distribute thousands of locally-sourced produce and protein boxes through food pantries and home delivery
- Milk for Good meets the demand for fresh, locally processed milk that families need, but is often in short supply at pantries
Farms to Food Banks Spotlight: Milk for Good
Milk is packed with essential nutrients that support overall health. Just one cup provides 8 grams of protein and 30% of the recommended daily calcium intake for adults, helping to build strong bones and teeth. Milk remains one of the most requested yet least donated items at food pantries. Through a partnership with the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative and the generosity of donors like you, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks has distributed over 240,000 half-gallons of fresh, local milk across the state—nearly two million servings for families in need!
Farms to Food Banks in the News
