Out on the Farm...

Are you ready for this?  We have big news.

The Local Food Hub is proud to announce the opening of our Educational Farm at Maple Hill, located in southern Albemarle County, Virginia. The facilities include existing farm equipment and implements, a large greenhouse, multiple sheds and barns, select perennial plants, and mushroom and egg operations. (I guess I no longer have an excuse to be scared of mushrooms.)

The use of Maple Hill Farm came about through collaboration with the Matthews family, local landowners with a longtime vision of a thriving community farm.

We have so many plans for this beautiful, certified organic operation.  First and foremost, farming!  The greenhouse is filling up with seedlings of all kinds -- baby broccoli, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, spinach -- and the fields are slowly but surely coming back to life.  Some of the food grown here will be for distribution, but 25% will be donated to local food banks, pantries and soup kitchens.

Also, we're in the midst of planning all kinds of workshops and community events.  Three fantastic apprentices started last week -- you'll meet them soon -- and we'll have high school interns out here this summer.  Groups from area high schools and community groups are already planning service days, and if you stay tuned, you'll hear about some great volunteer opportunities, too.

Our heads are still spinning at the opportunities here, and we are so grateful to all of our supporters for making it happen.  What a great investment in our community, our economy and the future of Virginia's local food and farming movement.  We look forward to sharing our progress with you.   

image credits: Emily Manley