The recent cuts to the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program have hit Petersburg hard — and the ripple effects are being felt by our local farmers, families, and food programs. For a city already designated a food desert, this setback makes the fight for food justice even more urgent. But in true Petersburg fashion, our commUNITY is stepping up.
Petersburg Is Growing Inc.: Standing Strong
Petersburg Is Growing Inc. has always been about youth leadership, regenerative agriculture, and social entrepreneurship — and that focus is keeping us grounded through this storm. Here’s how we’re holding it down:
• P.L.U.G. Mobile FarmStand — In collaboration with local farmers, we’re ensuring fresh produce continues to reach those who need it most.
• Mini Hands 4 Light Work — This hands-on youth experience emPOWERs youth to connect with the land, grow their own food, and be mindful of their health through gardening and nutrient dense meals.
• Many Hands 4 Light Work Volunteer Farm ASSISTant Cohort — This initiative is emPOWERing the commUNITY with hands-on experience in regenerative agriculture and offers opportunities for people to support local farmers directly by assisting them on their farms.
What’s Coming Up?
Despite the challenges, we’re excited to share some good news:
• Shop With The P.L.U.G. @ Haus on Market St. will reopen in May 2025, packed with fresh produce, local goods, and positive vibes.
• Petersburg Is Growing CommUNITY Support Agriculture Initiative- This initiative will connect families directly to local farmers, ensuring fresh produce makes its way to dinner tables every week.
Learn more about the CSA in our recent blog post here.
How YOU Can Help
We can’t do this alone — and we don’t have to. Here’s how you can join the movement:
1. Shop Local: When the Shop With The P.L.U.G. @ Haus on Market St. reopens this Spring, stop by and grab your produce there — every purchase supports our local farmers.
2. Join the CSA: Sign up for the Petersburg Is Growing CSA Initiative and enJOY fresh produce while supporting local agriculture.
3. Join The Village & Volunteer: The Many Hands 4 Light Work Volunteer Farm ASSISTant Cohort is all about putting in the work — planting, harvesting, and learning about regenerative agriculture.
4. Donate: Funding cuts are real, and your support can help us stay strong.
Contribute to our mission by donating at our Zeffy page.
5. Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about the work Petersburg Is Growing Inc. is doing. The more people who know, the stronger we become.
Learn More
For a deeper look at how these funding cuts are impacting our city and the efforts being made to push forward, check out this powerful article from The Progress-Index.
Read the full article here.
Petersburg Is Growing Inc. isn’t just about food — it’s about family, future, and fighting for what’s righteous.
We’re in this together.
Together, we grow.