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You're invited to join the Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) for a local agriculture tour on Thursday, May 29, 2025!
Schedule:
8:45 a.m. Leave Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
9:15 - 10:00 a.m. Area 2 Farms, 2600 S. Oxford St., Arlington
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. The EGG, 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. The Farm at Halley Rise, 12010 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston
By 12:45 p.m. Return to Herrity
Transportation will be available to and from each stop, though you’re welcome to drive yourself if you prefer. Regardless of how you plan to attend—whether visiting one site or all—NVSWCD kindly requests that you register in advance.
Why NVSWCD chose these operations:
For most food growers in Fairfax City and Fairfax County, small-scale production is the most realistic option. Each of the sites NVSWCD will visit features a different model.
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Area 2 Farms is an indoor, in-soil, commercial operation.
- The EGG urban farm, located in Fairfax County's Eileen Garnett Civic Space, is operated by nonprofit Hands On Harvests via a 10-year lease from the county.
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The Farm at Halley Rise is managed by small business Up Top Acres and was designed as part of the residential development.
Questions?
Email NVSWCD Urban Agriculture Specialist, Stacey Evers, at stacey.evers@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax and the Fairfax County Park Authority invite you to Healthy Together Fairfax, a lively, interactive event dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles. Rain or shine, the event will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Franconia Park (6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310).
This FREE event is perfect for families and offers a variety of activities for all ages! Enjoy health screenings, access to community services and resources, Story Space with V.I.P. readers, fitness classes, and hands-on learning experiences. Explore the trails and playgrounds at Franconia Park, take a ride on the carousel, and dive into our four exciting wellness tracks: Physical, Environmental, Social, and Emotional. Each track is packed with engaging activities and organizations that will inspire and motivate you towards a healthier lifestyle!
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The highly anticipated Fairfax County Food Access Map is now live! This map makes it easier to find local food resources. Serving as a one-stop hub, the map connects residents to emergency food providers within Fairfax County.
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The Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets Nourish Your Neighbor program began Sunday, May 25, at the Lorton market. The fresh food donation program operates the last market day of the month at all ten farmers market locations and is a great way for customers to support their local community. Customers can purchase extra produce from vendors at the market and donate it on site at the market information tent. All donated produce will be distributed the same day to local food pantries.
Stop by your local market on these dates to participate:
- Lorton: Sunday, May 25
- Mount Vernon: Wednesday, May 28
- Oakmont: Wednesday, May 28
- Wakefield: Wednesday, May 28
- Annandale: Thursday, May 29
- Herndon: Thursday, May 29
- McLean: Friday, May 30
- Kingstowne: Friday, May 30
- Burke: Saturday, May 31
- Reston: Saturday, May 31
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This summer, the Virginia Family Nutrition Program (FNP) will be at the Annandale and Wakefield farmers markets every third week from June through August, offering nutrition education, live cooking demonstrations, and exciting giveaways.
FNP is also looking for volunteers to help support these events. Volunteers can be trained to conduct cooking demonstrations and deliver engaging programming. All materials and food for events are provided. Join FNP in making healthy eating fun and accessible!
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The Korean Community Service Center has developed a promotional poster on how to use SNAP benefits at Fairfax County Farmers Markets. Check it out!
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Congress is considering a bill that would eliminate SNAP-Ed, a critical, cost-effective program that helps low-income families make healthier food choices and lead more active lives. SNAP-Ed supports households in finding, purchasing, and preparing fresh, healthy foods on a limited budget.
For every $1 invested in SNAP-Ed, up to $10.64 can be saved in future healthcare costs. These savings help reduce Medicaid spending and lower overall healthcare costs for families. At a time when funding for SNAP and other food assistance programs is under threat, SNAP-Ed maximizes the value of existing benefits by empowering individuals and communities to make informed, healthy choices. SNAP-Ed delivers measurable, meaningful results in communities across the country and is the primary federal program that provides nutrition education through trusted, community-based programs. These programs meet people where they are: in schools, food pantries, gardens, and other community spaces.
There is still time to act and make your voice heard!
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Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) was thrilled to welcome over 400 people to their 50th Anniversary Pantry Celebration on Sunday, May 18th! They were thrilled to see so many new and familiar faces from the Lorton community joining them for this occasion!
There were opportunities to volunteer in the pantry, a bouncy castle, community partners offering activities, and a dunk tank in which LCAC’s own Josh Henry was dunked over 80 times.
The heart of this special event was centered on honoring 50 years of LCAC’s contributions to the Lorton community and dedicating our food pantry to their founder, Christine Herbstreith. Fairfax County Supervisor Dan Storck also presented a Resolution in celebration of their Anniversary.
The Lions Club of Mason Neck provided drinks, chips, grilled burgers, and hot dogs. The Atlantic Barbecue Food Truck supplied fries, and volunteer/resident baker Kevin Strickland made over 300 cookies for attendees. Other community partners at the event included the Lorton Fire Department, Capital Area Food Bank, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Thriving Futures Program of Fairfax County, and Open Space Arts.
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Meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
May 28
June 25
July 23
Meets from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
June 16
July 21
August 18
Meets from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
June 17
July 15
August 19
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Any community member is welcome to attend work group meetings and events. All meetings and events are virtual, unless otherwise noted.
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Follow us for Fairfax Food Council Updates
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