August 19, 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces More Than $1 Million in Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Awards
~ Awards ten projects that improve food access in underserved communities ~
Governor Glenn Youngkin announces ten Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) grant awards totaling more than $1 million. This significant investment in food security comes after VFAIF was expanded this year to include large-scale grocery retailers, enabling funding for greater fresh food access in underserved communities. VFAIF-funded projects must have a retail component, accept federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and participate in the Virginia Fresh Match program, which doubles the value of SNAP dollars for people buying Virginia-grown fruits and vegetables.
These VFAIF grant awards are an investment in our communities and serve as a tremendous step forward in addressing food insecurity in the Commonwealth. In addition, we are supporting local agriculture and using the state’s largest private industry to create economic opportunities that strengthen our food infrastructure,
said Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Using agriculture as a base to build strategic partnerships between state government, philanthropic entities, and private industry is an innovative technique to address food access concerns while enhancing local food systems,
said
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr.
Through these awards, we are fortifying the food supply infrastructure, improving access to nutritious, affordable foods, and boosting economies in communities throughout the Commonwealth.
VFAIF awards started as reimbursable grants of up to $50,000 to support the development or expansion of small food retailers and innovative food retail projects that increase fresh food access in low-income, low-access communities. This year, the VFAIF program was expanded to include a large-scale retailer category for grocery stores that exceed 15,000 sq. ft. and meet program guidelines. The new large-scale retailer category allows for reimbursable grant awards of up to $250,000.
The following projects were awarded VFAIF grants during this funding round:
Large-Scale Retailers:
Wakefield Market, Wakefield
Innovative Food Retailer – $245,000
As the only locally owned grocery store in two counties, Wakefield Market is increasing its storage capacity with a new freezer, which will provide access to fresh local produce beyond the final harvest.
Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus, Newport News
Innovative Food Retailer – $250,000
The Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus is launching a food hub with four storage and processing units for food aggregation, washing, packing, and freezer storage.
E. Palmer Supermarket, Norfolk
Innovative Food Retailer – $237,500
E. Palmer Supermarket is replacing a refrigeration unit and grab-and-go cooler to expand fresh food access and procuring electric carts to make shopping easier for customers who require physical assistance.
Traditional Small-Scale Projects:
Pamplin Community Market, Pamplin
Small Food Retailer – $23,660
Pamplin Community Market is increasing refrigeration space and shelving to stock additional local food, install a point-of-sale system to improve sales management, and signage to support community outreach.
Browntown Farms, Brunswick County
Innovative Food Retailer – $41,785
Browntown Farms will build upon a previously successful project by purchasing new retail coolers and incorporating new technology that will enhance efficiency.
Mor-Industries, LLC, Halifax County
Innovative Food Retailer – $45,000
Mor-Industries LLC will invest in a cold storage unit to maintain the freshness and quality of locally grown fruits and vegetables, creating year-round access to locally grown produce. The business will also provide a user-friendly platform for ordering fresh produce, joining CSA programs, and scheduling agritourism visits.
Esther Manor Farms, Hanover County
Innovative Food Retailer – $48,000
Esther Global Foundation, in partnership with Esther Manor Farm, will enhance its cold storage capacity to allow for year-round access to fresh vegetables.
Mighty Thundercloud Forest, Northampton County
Innovative Food Retailer – $50,000
Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest is expanding cold storage, washing, and processing equipment to improve food safety and extend produce shelf life. The farm will also complete construction of an on-site commercial kitchen and retail store to enable value-added production.
Darnell’s Garden Patch, Orange County
Innovative Food Retail – $49,000
Darnell’s Garden Patch is purchasing a forklift to improve product handling and a new freezer to increase cold storage capacity for local meats. The family-owned business is also performing other critical infrastructure improvements.
Black Swan Youth Venture Hub, Mecklenburg County
Innovative Food Retail – $47,503
The Black Swan Youth Venture Hub will invest in infrastructure to host farmers market stalls where participants can sell their locally grown products. The hub will also provide youth with the hands-on experience of growing and selling food.