Virginia Cooperative Extension and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, in cooperation with community partners, is planning the upcoming 2014 Virginia Farm to Table Conference, Buy Fresh Buy Local Networking Mixer to encourage Nutrition, Health and Sustainability from the Ground Up. This … Continue reading
Many of us are familiar with the concept of “farm to school,” a practice becoming more and more popular with school districts trying to increase healthy eating, stabilize their local economies, and promote more sustainable food to table practices. While … Continue reading
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is a government-funded initiative aimed at preventing hunger and encouraging better nutrition. SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low income individuals and families. SNAP can be used like a debit … Continue reading
At the Virginia 2012 Farm to Table Conference, ideas on how to create sustainable and profitable local businesses were discussed and imagined. The following summarizes some of that information and provides an overview of how to encourage local investment, plus information … Continue reading
All across Virginia, communities are becoming inspired to start their own community gardens. Arlington and Richmond are just two localities where community gardens have had success. It seems simple, right? All you need are a few passionate people, and you’re … Continue reading
Urban agriculture – a topic that appears to be gaining much attention because of its potential to ensure food security and increase the consumption of local food. But what is urban agriculture… and does it mean everyone will have cows … Continue reading
Do we really need more laws and regulations or can we promote healthier communities through sound effective food policy? As different projects, programs and initiatives are developed around Virginia and the country to address obstacles, challenges and needed change in … Continue reading
What community personnel and resources are you overlooking? The recent emergence and increased demand for local food provides an opportunity for urban and rural communities to discuss and connect around issues of health, food access and security, local economies, and … Continue reading
Are you keeping your soil covered and healthy? Ray Archuleta, a soil health specialist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, shared 7 key concepts for keeping soil covered and healthy at the recent 2012 Virginia Farm to Table Conference. The … Continue reading
In a 1995 article on leadership and organizational change, John Kotter of the Harvard Business School outlined eight reasons why transformational efforts fail and what is needed to create and sustain change. As different projects, programs and initiatives are developed … Continue reading