Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) School Nutrition Services has once again partnered with Virginia Economic Development to produce Farmer Trading Cards. The cards will be given to elementary students during breakfast and lunch meal service the week of March 24-28.
This year’s farmers include:
Farmer Desiree – Armarc Farms
Farmer Randy – Peyton Farm Services
Farmer Kent – ORAC Farms
Farmer Scott – Blue Valley Farms
Farmers Greg & Sue – Brookfield Dairy Farm
Farmer Pete – Snickers Run Garlic Farm
Farmer Ava – Rose Hill Farm
Farmer Sam – Cerritos Farm
Their products can be found everywhere, from their own stores to restaurants and farm stands. The farmers help promote the cards through classroom videos and by participating in educational activities in LCPS schools throughout the spring. In addition to collecting the cards, students can meet this year’s farmers at the Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown theme night during the Loudoun United game at Segra Field on Saturday, May 10. During halftime, the farmers will be recognized on the field and will autograph their trading cards.
First introduced in 2016 to promote local farmers and their contribution to the economy, the program has won national awards for educating young people about the importance of agriculture in our area.
The farmers represent various types of farming and farming services, ranging from honeyberries to hydroponic lettuce and microgreens, from Salvadoran red beans and habaneros to garlic. Like baseball cards, the farmer trading cards feature a photo of the farmer on the front and interesting facts about the farmer on the back.
"The Farmer Trading Card program is an incredible way to connect our students with the people who grow their food — right here in Loudoun County,” said Elizabeth Mills, School Nutrition Director for LCPS. “It’s more than just a fun, collectible card; it’s a hands-on learning experience that helps students understand where their meals come from, fosters appreciation for local agriculture and builds a sense of community pride. By partnering with local farmers, we’re not only supporting our regional economy but also promoting healthier eating habits and encouraging students to make a lifelong connection to fresh, sustainable foods."