Chesapeake

While I may have grown-up in Central Virginia…visits to coastal Virginia and the Chesapeake always seem a bit like a homecoming. With strong family ties to Virginia’s watermen, their brogue dialect and food culture – it is always a welcome treat to return to the water.

Day 1:
Our trip to the Northern Neck kicked off in Warsaw, VA with a visit to the Healthy Harvest Food Bank, an overview of their community engagement AND a behind the scenes look at their state-of-the-art aquaculture system which will be used to provide fresh fish and produce to their recipients. Food security is real for so many Virginians often with access to fresh nutritious foods being very limited. This project has so much potential to make a real difference in the daily lives of the community.

Photo 1: Healthy Harvest Foodbank Aquaculture

After departing the food bank, we headed to Parker Farms which is a large produce operation based in the Northern Neck. This visit kicked off with a visit to the warehouse and distribution center before transitioning to some of the farm fields. The importance of networking and community engagement were mentioned both at the Food Bank as well as Parker Farms.

Photo 2: Parker Farms – end of squash season

Day 2:
The only relaxed day for VALOR Class VI…due to tidal storm surges, the ferries to Tangier were grounded and so Class VI enjoyed a relaxed day reflecting at our waterfront Air BnB…our only scheduled event for the day ended up being the generous steak supper at the Northern Neck Farm Museum, sponsored by Colonial Farm Credit.

Day 3:
Our third day brought us back to the grind of business, kicking off at Omega Protein for a heavy lunch of crab balls, shrimp, brisket and cake before transitioning to Rappahannock Oyster Company and Kellum Seafood. It should be noted that just a week after visiting Rappahannock Oyster Company, they suffered a devastating fire.

Photo 3: Kellum Seafood

Photo 4: Rappahannock Oysters – packing house

Photo 5: Rappahannock Oysters – packing house on fire

Staying in the Airbnb brought new opportunities for fellowship, as our cohort prepared breakfast every morning (we’re talking FULL FARMHOUSE STYLE BREAKFASTS), as well as a special supper on Friday night…it’s true, I wore full-blown lederhosen while cooking German Oktoberfest meal (German Bratwurst, Currywurst, Swine Schnitzel, German Potato Salad, and Sweet & Sour Saurkraut). While I somehow neglected to take pictures during breakfast, a shoutout to the my fellows who pitched in making fresh bread (Jennifer), breakfast casserole (Austin), French Toast Flipper (Sara) and the rest of the crew who made sure that the kitchen was always clean and ready to roll. Also special shoutout to Lyndsie/ Alicia for the early coffee pots.

Photo 6: Oktoberfest

Day 4:
An inspiring visit with Mr. Haynie of Haynie Farms, who’s indomitable spirit was admirable. Mr. Haynie and his family shared with us their personal experiences with malicious discrimination. It is hard to fathom in our modern age the challenges some individuals and communities continue to face with regards to discrimination. The Haynie family’s tenaciousness is a testament to their strength and success.