Locally and sustainably grown produce is often inaccessible and unaffordable for under-resourced communities. Arcadia was founded to address this supply and demand gap in the local food system by addressing all areas from production to distribution. Its five-acre fruit and vegetable farm grows healthy and sustainable food while a year-long Veteran Farmer Program helps to educate dozens of growers in ecologically sound methods – many have graduated to run their own sustainable farms. Partnering with local schools, churches, and community spaces to deliver food and agriculture education programs, Arcadia encourages young and old residents to try new fruits and vegetables and to start gardens. Mobile Markets stationed in low-income neighborhoods make culturally appropriate, locally grown food convenient and affordable. Good food improves public health, and the time is ripe to nourish our society.

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 2; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8; VA-Statewide; VA-Fairfax County; Arcadia Farm is located in SE Fairfax County. We serve residents throughout the metro region, with a special emphasis on low-income communities around the farm, including Hybla Valley and Gum Springs, and low-income, low-food access communities in DC, including Ward 7, Ward 8, Ward 5 and low-income seniors in Chinatown.

Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Veterans/Military Families; Immigrants/Refugees

Schools They Work In: Fairfax County Public Schools ; DC Public Schools


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   22,000
  • Servings of healthy food grown/sold/distributed :   2 million +
  • Number of Children educated on farm annually:   1000
  • Veterans Trained to be farmers since 2016:   230
  • Percentage of SNAP benefits redeemed at farmers markets in DC :   35%

Awards & Recognition

Harkin on Wellness Award (2022)
Fairfax Veteran Business Award (2021)
Junior League of Northern Virginia Woman of Substance award (2019)
Innovators in Agriculture (2018)
Results for America Moneyball All-Star (2016)

Press

Budget (FY0)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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