New ‘Farm to Fam’ Initiative Launches, Bridging the Gap Between Local Farms and Families in Need

Addressing local food insecurity while boosting the agricultural economy, the new “Farm to Fam” program officially launched Saturday morning at Fox Trax Farm Market.

Julie Vaught (left), Harmony Hike (center), and Robert Demariano (right) stand together at Fox Trax Farm Market during the launch of the Farm to Fam initiative, which connects local farms with families in need. Photo by Anna Groves, National Media Services, Inc.

Organizers distributed 25 boxes filled with farm-fresh meat, produce, and eggs to pre-registered local families. Moving forward, the nonprofit initiative plans to provide 25 curated food boxes every other Saturday at the market, located at 515 N. Commerce Ave., through the end of the growing season.

A Dual-Purpose Mission

The program was developed about five months ago through a conversation between Robert Demariano, owner of Robby D’s Lil Greens, and Harmony Hike, co-founder of the Hike Kidz Foundation. Inspired by the “Hike Basic Boxes” program, which provides hygiene supplies, the pair created Farm to Fam with two key goals:

• Supporting families facing food insecurity
• Supporting local farmers by providing a consistent business

Farm to Fam operates through a partnership between the Hike Kidz Foundation, Debbie’s Lighthouse, and the Harvest Missions Center. Funding is supported in part by a grant from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which allows organizers to purchase food directly from local producers.

Sourcing Local Food

The program relies on a growing network of local farms and producers to supply fresh, high-quality food for each box. Current participants include:

Oak Bear Farm, Maddox Farms, Homesteaders of Warren County, Meadow Brook Farms, Geraghty’s Micro Farm, Ruibal Family Farm, Scratch Pasta Co., Homestead Creamery, Mt. Crawford Creamery, Virginia Fresh Cheeses, and Robby D’s Lil Greens.

Additional contributions include a recipe book from Indulgence by Rachael, which helps families prepare meals using the provided ingredients.

Debbie’s Lighthouse, led by Julie Vaught, hosts the program at Fox Trax Farm Market and is also developing an on-site community garden. Once the growing season begins, the garden will provide additional fresh produce for the boxes.

Meg Hegby of the Homesteaders of Warren County was among the first volunteers to help assemble and distribute the boxes and is also planning to open a Celtic restaurant in Front Royal.

Expanding Reach

Organizers are already planning ways to grow the program’s impact. Future goals include creating single-serve meal boxes for individuals without access to full kitchens, such as those living in temporary housing, and building partnerships with local restaurants.

To help fill the gap between distribution weeks, Debbie’s Lighthouse will offer “Bam Bags” on alternating Saturdays. These meal kits include ingredients and recipes designed to feed a family of four to six.

Strengthening Community Connections

By linking local farms with families in need, Farm to Fam creates a cycle of support that benefits both the community and the local economy.

Organizers say the program is about more than just food—it’s about building relationships, supporting local agriculture, and ensuring families have access to fresh, healthy meals.

As the program continues to grow, its impact is expected to reach even more families across the region.

Anna Groves, National Media Services, Inc., contributed to this story.