Originally published by the Virginia Farm Bureau, December 11, 2025
RICHMOND—Complex logistical challenges must be navigated to get perishable items from orchards and regional dairy processors to neighbors in need. But for our hungry neighbors, the juice is worth the squeeze.
The Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program provides grants to charitable food assistance organizations to purchase Virginia Grown agricultural products, distributed to food-insecure Virginia residents statewide. VAFAP provides more than $1 million in grant funds annually to pay for the harvesting, packaging, processing and freight costs of Virginia-grown products for the food bank network.
This year, the VAFAP program has supported a Farm to Food Banks partnership with Shenandoah Valley Orchards in Rockingham County, formerly Turkey Knob Growers, to purchase apples going to food banks around the state. VAFAP also will purchase applesauce from White House Foods and milk from Maola Local Dairies.
“The success of our statewide Farms to Food Banks program is rooted in partnerships just like this one,” said Eddie Oliver, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “By working directly with local growers like Shenandoah Valley Orchards, we’re able to bring fresh, nutritious apples to families who might otherwise go without. VAFAP plays a vital role in making this possible, ensuring that local farmers and growers are fairly supported while strengthening our regional economies. We’re grateful for partners who share our commitment to nourishing communities and sustaining Virginia agriculture.”