Rappahannock Education Farm Receives Local Grants Supporting Fresh Produce and Farming Education to the Greater Fredericksburg Region

Fredericksburg, VA, (August 15, 2024) – The Rappahannock Education Farm has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Joe and Mary Wilson Community Benefit Fund, administered by the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation, and an additional $5,000 from the Stafford Hospital Community Benefit Fund. These grants will aid in addressing the pressing need for fresh produce among lower-income residents and provide farming education to the greater Fredericksburg region.

Established in March 2023, the Rappahannock Education Farm is a nonprofit organization with a vision to create a sustainable, community-owned farm that consistently benefits Fredericksburg and its surrounding areas. The farm aims to combat food insecurity by cultivating crops and offering gardening and farming education.

While awaiting the acquisition of nine acres of land on White Oak Road in Stafford County, a temporary garden has been planted near the Fredericksburg Food Bank. This month, the dedicated volunteers of the Rappahannock Education Farm will sow kale and collards at the Stafford property. Rich Larochelle, Board Chair of the Rappahannock Education Farm, expressed gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the volunteers, who contribute to land preparation, planting, and garden maintenance.

According to recent data, 8.1% of Virginians, equivalent to 658,470 individuals, face food insecurity. In certain areas of the George Washington Region, including Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, and Caroline counties, food insecurity rates exceed 12%, affecting approximately 23,000 individuals. Since the onset of the pandemic, food costs have surged by over 13%, leading to a decline in the quality and nutritional value of purchased food during times of financial hardship.

Rich Larochelle emphasized the organization's commitment to reducing hunger and addressing food insecurity within the community, stating, "We are excited about the opportunity to establish the Rappahannock Education Farm and deeply appreciate the ongoing support from the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation. We believe that everyone should have access to fresh and nutritious vegetables and our objective is to continue expanding food production to help those in need.”

Xavier Richardson, Chief Development Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare and President of Mary Washington and Stafford Hospital Foundations, expressed pleasure in supporting the Rappahannock Education Farm's mission to provide access to freshly grown produce, which contributes to overall well-being. Richardson added, "Supporting organizations extend our care for the community beyond our facilities in the most effective ways."

To learn more about the Rappahannock Education Farm and explore volunteer opportunities, please click here. Stay updated on their latest developments by following their Facebook page, Rappahannock Education Farm.

For additional information about Mary Washington and Stafford Hospital Foundations, upcoming events, ways to contribute, and how you can make a difference, please click here.

Currently, the Rappahannock Education Farm has grown and donated more than 1,400 pounds of beautiful produce including tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, onions, watermelon, cucumbers, and bell peppers

About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at over 80 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital, Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital, four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.