Charlottesville, VA – Virginia Career Works – Piedmont Region (VCWP) and the Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont (MVFP) are pleased to announce the release of the new Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Consumer Guide, a free resource designed to help consumers better understand, access, and support local food systems.

Developed with input from farmers, food system partners, agricultural professionals, and community stakeholders, the guide provides practical information for residents interested in purchasing locally produced food and building stronger connections with the people who grow it.

“Strong local food systems depend on strong relationships between consumers and producers,” said Sarah J. Morton, Executive Director of Virginia Career Works – Piedmont Region. “Whether someone is visiting a farmers market for the first time or looking to deepen their understanding of local agriculture, this guide offers practical tools that help connect people with the farms and food businesses that sustain our communities.”

The guide explores a variety of ways consumers can engage with local agriculture, including:

  • Farmers markets and farm stands
  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs
  • Pick-your-own farms
  • Direct-from-farm purchasing opportunities
  • Questions consumers can ask farmers
  • Additional resources for finding local food

Designed as an easy-to-use introductory resource, the guide also includes links to expanded online information for those who want to learn more about local food systems, seasonal purchasing, agricultural practices, and food resilience.

The release aligns with MVFP’s ongoing mission to support minority and veteran farmers while strengthening regional food systems through education, outreach, and community engagement.

In addition to the new guide, MVFP recently released its Annual Report, highlighting the organization’s impact in agricultural education, food access, producer support, and community partnerships throughout the region.

The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Consumer Guide is available free of charge online and will also be distributed through community organizations, libraries, food access partners, farmers markets, and other public locations throughout the region.

About Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont

Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont (MVFP) is a regional nonprofit that works to strengthen agricultural opportunities, support underserved producers, expand food access, and build resilient local food systems through education, partnerships, and community engagement.

About Virginia Career Works – Piedmont Region

Virginia Career Works – Piedmont Region is part of the Virginia Works statewide workforce ecosystem, providing workforce services funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). VCWP serves employers, job seekers, and community partners across Central Virginia by supporting workforce development, economic mobility, and regional collaboration.

To access the guide or learn more about MVFP, visit: http://www.mvfpva.org