The Healthy Food Systems Action Team of Move2Health Equity is acting in the dual function of the Blue Ridge Hunger Action Coalition as part of the Governor’s Food Security Initiative outlined in the Virginia Roadmap to End Hunger. The core strategies for building a hunger free Virginia outlined in the Roadmap are included below.

Mission: Support a just and local food system that builds equity.

Vision: We envision a strong community with vibrant farms, well-nourished people, a thriving food economy, and responsible land stewardship. 

We advocate for:

1. Public and private policies and practices that incentivize equitable local food production and distribution including urban and rural farming/agriculture and community gardens.

2. Public and private policies and practices that incentivize equitable, affordable healthy food retail and support farmer's markets and fresh food outlets.

3. Restaurants,  convenience stores and grocery stores that provide healthy, fresh and culturally diverse food at an affordable price.

4. Education on what healthy eating looks like, including but not limited to cooking classes, grocery store tours, easy, affordable and healthy meal ideas, as well as access to tools and resources needed to prepare healthy foods.

5. Safe, dignified, and fairly compensated food sector jobs where the rights of workers are protected.

6. Responsible and equitable land stewardship that facilitates resiliency in the face of climate change. 

7. Food sovereignty for all.

NEW! Food Security Text Line

The program provides information on 35+ available food pantries and other food resources in Charlottesville and in surrounding counties, including Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Buckingham, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Nelson. 

Residents can text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to (844) 947-6518 to receive information about food resources available near their current zip code. Information is available in English and Spanish. For more information and a full report head here.