Project GROWS

Project GROWS first took root in 2010 when nine local human service agencies came together to address the community's health challenges, including high rates of hunger, food insecurity, and diet-related chronic diseases. After two years of planning and research, the nonprofit was founded with a focus on food education and food access. The educational farm broke ground in 2012 with support from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth and the Augusta Health Foundation.

The farm employs organic practices to cultivate over 200,000 servings of food annually on its 10-acre site in Verona, Virginia. Educational spaces combined with commercial production equipment allow the farm to provide food to people of all ages. Volunteers and visitors engage in various farm projects while learning about sustainable agriculture and organic farming concepts.

Produce from the farm is available through the Project GROWS CSA program, the North Augusta Farmers' Market, and the Waynesboro Farmers' Market. The farm also supplies vegetables to local restaurants and donates to the Boys and Girls Club and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Volunteer work parties are held every Thursday afternoon, fostering community through shared work and potluck dinners. Additionally, the farm offers youth jobs, summer camps, and field trips to educate children about healthy eating and food origins.