From July 2024 to December 2025, Montgomery County's Farms to Families program procured and distributed over 15,275 pounds of local ground beef and 13,500 pounds of fresh produce to more than 4,000 families in need.

This program was made possible by a $150,000 Local Food Purchase Assistance Plus (LFPA+) grant from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Meredith Hoggatt, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent in Montgomery County, coordinated the grant—using all $150,000 to purchase food from 12 local agricultural producers. 

 

News anchor speaks on air in a video about the Farms to Families project
The Montgomery County Local Food Purchase Assistance Program grant project was profiled by local media.

“The Farms to Families program has provided a reliable outlet for our ground beef at a price that allows us to stay in business and grow. Best of all, it provides a volume of healthy, wholesome beef to people in our community who need it most,” said Gil Yearwood of Ellett Valley Beef, a Montgomery County beef producer.

This program strengthened local food systems by providing reliable income to producers and ensured families had access to healthy foods.

“Because of this grant program, our participants regularly received a protein item, something we cannot always guarantee on a consistent basis. Many participants expressed excitement and appreciation for receiving fresh, high-quality, local meats and vegetables,” said Isabelle Largen of The Market of Virginia Tech.

Hoggatt organized the grant and coordinated beef and produce purchases, deliveries, and distributions. She worked closely with the YMCA at Virginia Tech, the financial sponsor that made the project possible.

“The LFPA+ grant program is perfect for Virginia Cooperative Extension, as we have relationships not only with agricultural producers, but with countless nonprofits and organizations in our counties,” said Hoggatt. “We excel at facilitating connections between partners within the community and utilizing resources to improve the well-being of our citizens.”

– Written by Devon Johnson, communications manager, and Case Keatley, field marketing coordinator