WHO
ARE
WE?
Farmers market shoppers, other farmers, independent grocer shoppers
This campaign is built around a simple truth. When people choose to buy local, they are doing far more than picking up groceries. They are putting money back into their own communities, supporting the farmers who work the land nearby, and bringing home food that is fresher, more nutritious, and more trustworthy.
Whether it is at a farmers market or a small independent grocer, every dollar spent locally helps keep farms alive, strengthens regional supply chains, and keeps West Virginia rooted in its own food traditions. Fair pricing for farmers is at the heart of this. When farmers are paid what their work is worth, they can keep producing, families can keep eating well, and communities stay connected to where their food comes from.
Public schools, universities, hospitals, correctional facilities, state agencies, restaurants
The same idea carries into our schools, hospitals, restaurants, and public institutions. Choosing local food is not just a feel-good decision; it is a smart one. It leads to better meals, stronger relationships between buyers and farmers, and more reliable access to quality ingredients.
Shorter supply chains mean fewer disruptions and faster delivery, while also opening the door to higher quality products that large systems often cannot provide. It supports student learning, patient health, and the overall well-being of the people being served, while also building new business opportunities across the region.
State legislators, agency leaders, department of agriculture, local governments
At the policy level, this work becomes even more important. Investing in fair farm pricing is really about investing in the future of West Virginia. Strong local agriculture means stronger local economies, better food access, and a more resilient system that can withstand disruptions.
Relying too heavily on distant supply chains leaves communities exposed, but building up local production keeps food dollars working close to home and creates jobs along the way. This approach brings agriculture, health, education, and economic growth together into one shared effort. By expanding local purchasing, improving infrastructure, and making it easier for farmers to access markets, West Virginia can take real ownership of its food system and build something that lasts.