Positive Steps for Fauquier Education Farm First 5K

The Fauquier Education Farm benefit 5K and Fun Run is scheduled for this upcoming weekend at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 7 in Warrenton. While this event may be a new addition to the local race calendar, the farm itself has been focusing on wholesome food, health, wellness, outreach, education and the community for years.

Situated on Meetze Road, this picturesque piece of land is nestled among the rural and rolling landscape of Fauquier County. On any given day passersby will see sprigs of green, sprouts of color and rows of fruits, flowers and vegetables as volunteers dot the landscape, dedicating their time to helping to harvest thousands of pounds of food per day.

According to farmer, executive director and agriculture superhero (more on that in a minute) Jim Hankins, the Fauquier Education Farm harvests thousands of pounds of agricultural products a day. Everything is donated to local food banks and so far this year, that has totaled more than 80,000 pounds. Over the past 10 years, 640,000 pounds of local, farm-fresh food has been donated to food banks.

“One of the best things we can do for health is right here,” says Hankins, who encourages healthy habits by providing agriculture-related education, hands-on learning, richly rewarding volunteer opportunities and more.

Hankins is making a positive impact and people are taking notice. Earlier this year, the State Fair of Virginia opened nominations for agriculture-themed trading cards. Hankins was one of only 12 Virginians selected as an everyday agricultural hero. The “Educator Jim” trading card is now available and includes fun details like his arch nemesis, sidekick, special powers and more.

Hankins prides himself on his agricultural superhero responsibilities and for he and the Fauquier Education Farm, it’s not just about quantity it is equally about quality.

“We want to supply the same high quality as if it was going to the top tier farmers markets,” Hankins says as he slices a bright, vibrant watermelon fresh from the farm.

Smiling volunteers of all ages gathered around to sample some of the fruits of their labor, enjoying colorful slices of juicy watermelon.

“I encourage garden grazing,” Hankins says. “I want to teach healthy habits and encourage people to come back.”

On this particular sunny day in late September, this crew of happy volunteers helped to harvest 1,905 pounds of fresh food for local food banks. This year, the Fauquier Education Farm will likely donate over 100,000 pounds.

When it comes to giving back, the farm does more than just donate food. As the name suggests, the Fauquier Education Farm aims to advance agriculture and agriculture-related education through best-method demonstrations, classroom instruction, on-farm workshops and hands-on learning, according to the mission statement on their website.

Students, farmers, gardeners and all members of the community have the opportunity to learn and, quite literally, grow at the farm, where top priorities include fun activities, education and being good stewards of the land.

This weekend’s 5K and Fun Run fundraiser not only gives runners an opportunity to explore the farm and surrounding trails on a scenic and challenging course, but it also gives racers a chance to take steps towards supporting the numerous programs provided by the farm.

Starting and finishing at the Fauquier Education Farm, this cross country-style 5K course also winds along sections of the Stafford Farm Trail and includes stream crossings, wooded trails and pathways. The Fun Run will take place within the fenced perimeter of the farm, a great way to explore some of the crops and structures.

“This is so gorgeous,” says board of director and race organizer Yuri Cole. “Everyone should be out here.”

There is still time to sign up to run this new event on a great course for a wonderful cause. Packet pickup and race day resignation is available. First place 5K men and women finishers will receive two complimentary tickets to the Fauquier Education Farm gala fundraiser inner, Feast From the Field, held later that evening. All participants of the 5K and Fun Run will receive a gift from the farm.

To learn more about the 5K and Fun Run, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Warrenton/FauquierEducationFarm5K

To learn more about the Fauquier Education Farm, visit: https://www.fauquiereducationfarm.org/

——

As a columnist for FauquierNow, this was originally written by me for Fit in Fauquier, our fitness and well-being column.