WHEN SHOPPING the aisles of the local grocery store, we share everyday struggles: rising prices, shrinking content, and inconsistent availability. For many, time constraints and budgets overrule the desire to provide healthy meals for their families. Convenience wins, and the bags at the checkout counter bulge with pre-packaged meals and boxed snacks. Shoppers carry the frustration of their choices home with their purchases.
“Next time will be different,” we promise ourselves.
Next time can be different thanks to the resources provided by Lynchburg Grows, an urban farm impacting the lives of consumers from all socioeconomic backgrounds. At the core of its operations is a thriving community-supported agriculture (CSA) program serving 300 families weekly.
“Our model is a little different,” Executive Director Shelley Blades explained. “We supply a ton of the produce, but there are things we just don’t grow because we’re in greenhouses. So we source those from other farmers. We really want to make sure that we are providing what we can from the farm, supporting other local farms, and getting the word out about the great work they’re doing.”
Collaboration is a core principle. Lynchburg Grows is committed to making healthy food accessible to everyone, offering scholarships and work-trade options for those struggling to afford CSA memberships. It also accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and participates in the Virginia Fresh Match program, which allows SNAP recipients to purchase produce at half price.
“All our prices at our store are cheaper than at the grocery store. We’re a nonprofit, so we’re not trying to make money — we’re just trying to help people. A lot of people don’t know there’s lots of options for them,” said Blades.
Lynchburg Grows participates in an innovative health initiative, FreshRx, a local version of a produce prescription program. The organization works with local doctors who treat uninsured or underinsured patients and fills the doctors’ prescriptions by providing a four-week class. Access to healthy food and the proper tools and knowledge for preparing meals is often a barrier, and the program works to overcome as many roadblocks as possible.
“The class meets once a week. They get a bag of free veggies and then a lesson on how to use those veggies, why they’re important for your health, and different ways to incorporate those into your diet,” said Blades. “It’s hard to change your diet. It’s hard to change your habits. But we want to make sure that we are doing our part and helping people have the information if they choose to do that.”
In addition to the CSA and FreshRx programs, the on-site store, a farmers market, is open every Thursday. The store provides another avenue for the community to access fresh, locally-grown produce. The organization also has a robust donation program, partnering with local organizations to distribute fresh produce to those in need. This approach allows Lynchburg Grows to extend its reach and impact, supporting existing community efforts to address food insecurity.
“We donate to organizations who are already doing great work with people who could benefit from some free produce,” Blades shared.
Lynchburg Grows’ mission is two-fold: to work with our community to provide access to healthy food and afford purposeful jobs to individuals with disabilities. Today, the organization employs five people with disabilities who form the backbone of the farm operations. These employees work four days a week, handling crucial tasks from harvesting to distribution.
“We want to make sure we’re working with our farmers to help them work toward their goals, even if it’s not a career goal,” Blades shared.
It’s not just about job skills — it’s about life skills, fostering independence, and personal growth. Whether learning to take the bus or aspiring to lead field trips, Lynchburg Grows tailors its support to each individual’s aspirations.
As the seasons change, Lynchburg Grows remains active. At the end of each year, a holiday box program provides meals for families in need, ensuring that families have access to nutritious food even during the holidays.
“It’s not an official program, but it’s something we’ve tried to prioritize,” Blades said.
In a world where convenience often trumps nutrition, Lynchburg Grows fills the gap with accessible, sustainable, and community-focused agriculture.
As shoppers continue to navigate the aisles of local grocery stores, Lynchburg Grows offers a different path. Through its diverse programs, from CSA boxes to FreshRx classes, it addresses the struggles that many face: rising prices, time constraints, and the desire for healthier options. By making fresh produce accessible, providing education, and fostering community connections, Lynchburg Grows is helping rewrite the story of how we feed ourselves and our families. The organization is proving that with the proper support and resources, those promises we make ourselves about eating better can indeed become a reality. GN
