An organization founded in 2009 to help connect area farmers with people who need food has announced they will go out of business at the end of the year.
“Local Food Hub has made the difficult decision to close its doors effective December 31, 2024, and transfer programming where possible to aligned nonprofits and local food equity collaborators,” reads a June 7 announcement on the non-profit organization’s website.
However, they’ll cease programming much sooner on July 15, leaving several organizations seeking other options for the services currently provided by the Local Food Hub. One of them is the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
“Local Food Hub closing at end of month,” reads the minutes of a June 12 resident services committee. “Need to find another food resource for all sites.”
The announcement acknowledges the effect this may have on the community.
Board Chair Marcus Comer writes in the announcement that the creation of the organization 15 years ago planted a seed and the overall result of the Local Food Hub has been a success.
“Today, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our founders and early supporters, that seed has blossomed into a beacon of nourishment for our community,” Comer wrote. “We understand that this decision will affect many community members but believe there is a strong non-profit community that will help to fill gaps and ensure that the most important pieces of our work are carried forward into the future.”
Programs include the Fresh Farmacy program which provides fresh produce to “low-resource households” and the website states the current status of the program.
“Fresh Farmacy remains a year-round program with home delivery to 400-500 participants,” reads that portion of the website. “As we look to the future, we focus on creating lasting lifestyle changes for participants and ensuring program sustainability.”
On the production side, the group lists a partnership with the Virginia Black Farmer Directory.
In 2019, the Local Food Hub transferred its farm-to-consumer distribution operation to the company 4P Foods. The 2023 annual report notes the departure of long-term staff members.
The nonprofit news organization ProPublica has a search engine that allows anyone to search the tax filings of nonprofit groups. In 2022, the Local Food Hub reported $948,043 in revenues and $990,841 in expenses. You can take a look at ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer.
Are you affected by the closure? Any thoughts?
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