Local, Fresh & Delicious SOUTHERN VIRGINIA FOOD HUB PROVIDES LOCAL FARMERS, BAKERS AND CRAFTERS A DIRECT LINE TO THE COMMUNITY Photography by Justin Robinson
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rowing concern about the origin of our food has made buying locally sourced goods a thriving trend. The Locavore movement, a s i t wa s t e r m e d by c e l e b r i ty Chef Jessica Prentice, has become a way of life for diners interested in supporting small businesses and eating locally sourced food. The Southern Virginia Food Hub, Makers Market and Farmers Market takes this growing trend to a whole new level. “Local means more,” commented Jo Ann Farnsworth, SVFH manager. With a background in corporate and banking, she came out of retirement to help build The Hub into a sustainable way to connect agricultural businesses with customers. “We provide a link between our local farmers, producers, and artisans and help introduce and sell local goods to the families in and around the contributing counties we support in southern Virginia. Our mission is to improve our community's health and economy by making fresh, locally sourced food available close to home,” she said. Located at 100 West Danville Street in South Hill, Va., the Maker’s Market division of The Hub 17 Summer 2020 Hearth & Vine
features a local food grocery store, commercial kitchen, local food deli, coffee bar and a community classroom where people can learn about cooking, hold meetings and other events. Opening the door of the Makers Market is like opening the door to grandma’s house in bygone days. Sweet smells of desserts, coffee and fresh baked breads tantalize the senses and fill you with the temptation to taste everything. Colorful fruits and vegetables, eggs, fresh baked breads and desserts are all displayed to tempt the taste buds and the freezers are filled with meats, cheeses and other dairy products of the finest quality. “You know it’s local because the USDA requires local farms to freeze their meats for distribution,” she said. “Most of these (beef ) farmers grow heritage breeds. They have a flavor that is deeper and more interesting.” Along with Chef Will Woodall, the deli staff includes Jodi Tilletson, who specializes in desserts like key lime cheesecake and lemon blueberry layer cake, Janette Wright, famous for her scones and specialty breads, Sous-Chef Lisa Mills, who makes incredible yeast rolls, and Floor Manager Lynn Minter. All of them are friendly, helpful, and make the Maker’s Market a fun place to pick up
