A grant-funded collaboration gets fresh produce on the tables of families in need – and benefits the Shenandoah Valley farmers who grow it. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports.
On a warm morning in early May, Dave and Lee O'Neill are giving a tour of Radical Roots – their certified organic vegetable farm in Keezletown. Starting with the high tunnels, where open-ended, arched frames covered in white plastic protect 130-foot rows of vibrant salad greens.
Radical Roots is one of the growers for the 'Fresh Veggie Series.' This program, coordinated by the Harrisonburg-based organization Vine and Fig, buys high-quality, local produce and distributes it to schools, food pantries, health clinics, and other partners. It's funded by grants from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie was one of the tour guests.