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Montgomery County, Virginia faces significant food insecurity with a poverty rate more than twice the state average. Rising food costs and changes to SNAP funding have increased pressure on local food assistance providers. To address these needs while supporting agricultural producers, Virginia Cooperative Extension partnered with the YMCA at Virginia Tech to secure a $150,000 Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Plus (LFPA+) grant to buy unprocessed or minimally processed foods directly from Virginia farmers.

This presentation will demonstrate how Extension coordinated this project and offer a practical framework that agents can adapt to strengthen food access and farm viability in their own communities. Attendees will learn key strategies for building partnerships, aligning farmer supply with nonprofit distribution capacity, managing procurement logistics, and utilizing LFPA+ or similar grants to support local agriculture.

From July 2024 to December 2025, the program distributed more than 28,775 pounds of locally grown and raised food to over 4,000 Montgomery County families. This included 15,275 pounds of ground beef and 13,500 pounds of produce such as squash, cucumbers, potatoes, and leafy greens. Ninety-three percent of the beef was sourced within Montgomery County or within 35 miles. Participating farms included three veteran-owned and three socially disadvantaged producers, ensuring equitable economic benefit. All $150,000 in funds went directly to local farmers, strengthening farm viability and the regional food economy.

The project’s structure, prioritizing high-demand, versatile protein items and incorporating produce “seconds,” offers a scalable approach for agents seeking to reduce food waste, expand markets for farmers, and increase pantry access to nutritious foods. Partners reported improved consistency in providing fresh, high-quality items to their clients, while producers valued the stable and fair market opportunity.

Extension agents participating in this session will gain actionable guidance for launching similar procurement initiatives, facilitating cross-sector collaboration, and designing community-driven programs that simultaneously meet farmer, partner, and client needs. The Montgomery County model highlights adaptable practices that agents can use to reinforce local food systems and increase their community impact.