In the heart of Richmond, Virginia, a small idea planted 15 years ago has blossomed into one of the region’s most impactful food justice organizations. Shalom Farms, a nonprofit farm and community program, is redefining what equitable food access looks like—combining sustainable farming, community partnerships, and dignity-driven distribution models to nourish both people and place.
Click here to listen to our podcast with Anna Ibrahim, the Executive Director of Shalom Farms.
From Faith Mission to Food Justice Movement
Shalom Farms began humbly in 2008, born out of the Methodist Conference’s desire to serve the Richmond community during the height of the housing market crash. With affordable housing projects no longer feasible, the church pivoted—offering up an acre of land and a new idea: grow food for the food bank.
At a time when the national conversation was shifting toward healthy eating—Michelle Obama had just planted her White House vegetable garden—Shalom Farms captured the moment. Volunteers from faith communities came together to grow and donate fresh produce, ensuring local food pantries had something nutritious to offer beyond canned goods and dry staples.
That one-acre experiment evolved into a thriving organization. Today, Shalom Farms describes itself as a “farm and food justice organization” dedicated to creating a more equitable food system across Greater Richmond.
More Than a Food Pantry: Dignity Through Choice
As Shalom Farms grew, so did its mission. Beyond producing food, the organization began asking deeper questions: What does meaningful access to fresh food truly mean?
For Shalom Farms, meaningful access is defined by three key principles:
- Food must be physically accessible—available where people live and at times that work for them.
- It must be culturally appropriate—the kind of produce families actually want to cook and eat.
- And it must be affordable—priced with dignity, not charity.
That philosophy inspired the Shalom Farms Mobile Market, a traveling farmers market that brings fresh, locally grown produce directly to communities—public housing neighborhoods, senior centers, YMCAs, libraries, and schools—throughout Richmond.
“We wanted it to feel just like a farmers market stand,” says Änna, Shalom’s Executive Director. “Tents, tables, crates of beautiful produce—all on one level, where people can shop, choose, and pay what works for them.”
A Market for Everyone: The Pay-What-You-Choose Model
Instead of traditional food giveaways, Shalom Farms developed a pay-what-you-choose pricing system with two simple options:
- Member pricing: For those who need more affordable food.
- Supporter pricing: For those able to pay a bit more to help sustain the mission.
“We just ask people to think about their circumstances,” Änna explains. “Do you have savings? Inherited wealth? Do you go on vacations without worrying about bills? Then you might consider paying the supporter price.”
No forms. No verification. Just honesty, trust, and community.
The results have been powerful—around 25% of sales now come from the higher “supporter” tier, helping offset costs and keep food accessible for everyone else. “It’s dignity in choice,” Änna says. “People know this food was grown with care, for them—and that has value.”
Two Farms, One Mission
Shalom Farms now operates two farm sites:
- A city-based farm on a Richmond bus line, designed as a fully accessible demonstration site where visitors can see, learn, and volunteer.
- A 14-acre farm in Powhatan County, which houses six high tunnels (half heated) and serves as the organization’s main production hub.
Together, these farms supply tens of thousands of pounds of fresh produce each year—feeding Shalom’s mobile markets, community fridges, and food bank partners.
Winter Growing: Extending the Season, Expanding Impact
In 2024, Shalom Farms launched a bold experiment: winter growing. Using the heated high tunnels at the Powhatan site, they extended their growing season through January—harvesting collards, kale, turnips, carrots, beets, and bunching onions.
Despite frigid temperatures and higher fuel costs, the pilot proved a success. The winter mobile markets sold out every week. “It might not have been profitable on paper,” Änna admits, “but it was absolutely valuable—our customers wanted fresh food, and our staff stayed engaged. That’s the kind of innovation we exist for.”
Research and the Road Ahead
Shalom Farms’ future is as ambitious as its roots are grounded. In partnership with national research institutions like the Rodale Institute, the organization is exploring how farming practices affect produce nutrition and soil health—turning its Powhatan site into a living laboratory for regenerative agriculture and community-based food systems.
Back in Richmond, the city farm continues to anchor outreach and education, showing what’s possible when local food truly meets local need.
Planting Seeds of Change
What began as a small church-funded mission has grown into a regional model for food equity. By combining high-quality sustainable farming with innovative community distribution, Shalom Farms is proving that access, dignity, and good food can coexist—and that a just food system starts right where people live.
Learn More & Get Involved
🌱 Visit Shalom Farms to volunteer, donate, or find a mobile market near you.
📍 Richmond, VA | Supporting food justice through farming, education, and community partnerships.
Listen to our podcast with Anna Anna Ibrahim, the Executive Director of Shalom Farms.
