Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture

Come work with Arcadia! https://lnkd.in/eQ22nAP9

On Sunday, October 6th, Tower proudly sponsored Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture’s 10th Anniversary Farm Dinner https://lnkd.in/eJBSvp8C at Woodlawn (https://lnkd.in/eerdvthc), a National Trust Historic site, in support of Arcadia’s Veteran Farmer Training program (https://lnkd.in/ejf7Z8eU).?Local chefs (https://lnkd.in/ek6bXRjS) cooked amazing dishes featuring local produce (some as local as Arcadia’s farm)!?It was an inspiring night hearing about how Arcadia supports regional food systems, food sovereignty, and farmers (https://lnkd.in/eKJTCcmH), especially our nation’s military veterans find new pathways to continue their service to our communities, by launching their own farms.? The average American farmer is 58, and the USDA estimates the nation needs 700,000 new farmers to replace our retiring farmers over the next decade; at the same time, our education system and economy are pushing more individuals entering the workforce to work in office settings, so the skills gap for farming is acute and growing. Our military veterans on the other hand are 45% more likely to start their own businesses than other Americans, and they have the physical and mental toughness to forge successful careers in agriculture. Hundreds of thousands of American military veterans are separating from the service every year and seeking meaningful careers in the civilian sector.?THE ARCADIAN SOLUTION: Facilitate military veterans protecting our nation’s food security and reinvigorate the farm sector with skilled new growers, from those who are eager to begin their next phase of life. Sandy Paik Nora Abramson Jackalo (Techstars '23)

We were so grateful to sponsor Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture's Fall Harvest Dinner, benefiting Arcadia's incredible Veteran Farmers Program. Over the past ten years, Arcadia has trained over 250 military #veterans in farming methods. It was a beautiful evening filled with fresh, local produce and the opportunity to support a program that makes a real difference in the lives of veterans. Learn more about the amazing work they do here: https://lnkd.in/ejf7Z8eU #VeteranSupport #FarmToTable #CommunitySupport #ArcadiaFarms #GivingBack Jim O'FarrellChrissie ConstableGabby BonillaJasmin HesterSandy Magura

Thank you to everyone who came to our annual Farm Dinner, especially our esteemed local chefs and volunteers, who helped ring in our 10th year of training the next wave of American farmers: Veterans.

American Farmland Trust?came out to Arcadia's incubator farm recently to make a mini-documentary about our land access program for veterans!

Thanks for stopping by the farm again AMSG!

Each year on 9/11, we pause to honor those lost and the heroism of those who ran toward danger. ???? We also pause to recognize how that day changed all of our lives and the world we knew. Each year, we rewatch the images and listen to the stories, phone calls, and voice recordings. We relive the trauma. So I hope that this week and on 9/11 anniversaries in the years to come, you find time for self-care and are able to find a healthy and meaningful way to honor those lost, perhaps by serving others. Last Saturday, in honor of 9/11, now designated as a national day of service, I had the opportunity to stand alongside veterans, first responders, and inspired civilians from Team Rubicon, The Mission Continues, and Team Red, White & Blue to take part in a service project at the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture in Alexandria, Virginia. The center's mission is to cultivate vibrant local food systems that prioritize health, equity, and sustainability from the farm forward, along with training veterans to become sustainable farmers. It was an incredible day of camaraderie found in the unity of a common goal and mission. May we continue to honor those lost on that tragic morning and since by finding ways to serve and show kindness to others. ??

Just a bunch of veteran farmers earlier this year learning to maintain and safely operate a chainsaw -- one of the many hands-on training experiences provided by the Arcadia Veteran Farmer Program! Learn more about the program here https://lnkd.in/ejf7Z8eU

From Junior League of Northern Virginia last month: "To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul." ~ Alfred Austin The women of JLNV spent time nurturing the Children's Garden at the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture, which cultivates vibrant local food systems that prioritize health, equity, and sustainability from the farm forward. Thanks for stopping by! Want to get involved? Visit https://lnkd.in/eiaiwxhD #community #service #volunteer #communityimpact #bethechange #juniorleague

I’m excited to announce that I’ve joined an amazing group of change makers on the Board of Directors at the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. This opportunity holds deep personal significance for me, as I grew up in rural Virginia and have firsthand experience of the vital role farmers play in our communities. With our growing population, the need for sustainable food systems has never been more critical, and I want to raise awareness and support for those who feed us. As a Veteran, I’m also committed to creating pathways for transitioning military members to become the next generation of farmers. Arcadia’s Veteran program offers a meaningful and impactful training to help our Veterans find their place in this essential field. Most importantly, Arcadia’s mission to prioritize health, equity, and sustainability has incredible impact in under-resourced neighborhoods by supporting families and children in our regional community who need access to healthy, nutritious food. From the farm to the tables that need it the most. A fantastic way to learn more about Arcadia is to join our 2024 Farm Dinner – it is a memorable event!? https://lnkd.in/e4kMiMH6 I look forward to working with this incredible team to make a difference.?Together, we can cultivate a brighter future! #Sustainability #LocalFoodSystems #Veterans #Agriculture