Fields to faces : growing a gleaning network for Farmville Area Community Emergency Services
(Book - Regular Print)

Thesis,MSFS,Green Mountain College,2016.

Includes bibliographical references.

Farmville Area Community Emergency Services (FACES) food pantry is a non-profit organization providing emergency and supplementary food to qualified residents of Prince Edward County and parts of Cumberland, Buckingham, Nottoway, Luneburg, and Charlotte Counties. Currently, FACES distributes bags of food to an average of 960 households representing 1,358 individuals on a weekly basis. FACES is also in the process of becoming a regional distribution hub for other food pantries located in the Central and Southside areas of Virginia. Recognizing the rural region's wealth of agricultural resources, FACES set a new goal of working with local farmers to source fresh fruits and vegetables. Building partnerships with local farmers is a part of the commitment FACES has made to improving access to fresh produce among individuals and families in need. Detailed recommendations designed to guide FACES food pantry in their efforts to procure fresh, local produce are included in this report. In the development of these recommendations, area farms were interviewed to assess the potential barriers that may prevent fruit and vegetables growers from donating to the food pantry. Additionally, relevant organizations at the local, regional, and national level were contacted to gather information on existing programs and to assess partnership opportunities. Shrinking the gap between low-income families and fresh fruits and vegetables requires a comprehensive approach. The strategies suggested to FACES food pantry in this report advocate for participation among farmers, gardeners, and citizens. These allies play an essential role in fostering community food security.