The Fredericksburg Food Co-op is holding their sixth annual Food for All 5k on April 12, 2025. More than a race, the Food for All 5k is the Co-op’s largest fundraiser for the store’s Food for All Program.

The Food for All Program is the Co-op’s unique contribution to users of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While SNAP users qualify for the Virginia Fresh Match Program, which discounts the purchase of fresh or frozen vegetables by 50%, the Food for All Program at the Co-op provides an additional 20% cash back to shoppers in the form of “carrot cash.”

“We’re the only store within at least 50 miles, possibly further, that offers this bonus,” says Suzie Grumko, General Manager of the Fredericksburg Food Co-op. “One of our core values is supporting healthy eating within our community. We’d like to break the stigma that just because you are on Food Stamps you’re limited to foods with poor or limited nutrition.”

The Fredericksburg Food Co-op is a community-owned grocery store that emphasizes sourcing high quality fruits and vegetables, including those from local farms. They sell a variety of fresh and frozen produce, to include organic options.

Having these options available helps to limit food insecurity in the area. 

“Being food insecure,very simply, just means that you don’t have regular, consistent access to the nutritious food you need to live a healthy and fulfilling life,”  explains Candice Armstrong, Executive Director of Virginia Community Food Connections.

According to Armstrong, food insecurity affects people of all ages, races, and genders and currently affects roughly 11% of the local population in the Fredericksburg area.

“Accessing programs like Virginia Fresh Match or Carrot Cash at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op really makes a difference for a lot of families in terms of the quality of food they’re able to feed their children and themselves.”

Net proceeds from the Food for All 5k will be used to continue the Fredericksburg Food Co-op’s Food for All program throughout the year. Participants can walk or run in-person or virtually on April 12. Businesses can also choose to sponsor the 5k at varying levels.

The route begins at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, located at 320 Emancipation Highway, and prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place male and female finishers.

“Don’t worry about if you’re in tiptop shape,” says Grumko. “The 5k is for fun and it’s to raise money and awareness so that we can help people in the community who need it most.” View these links to sign up for the Food for All 5k, to learn about sponsorship opportunities, or to donate to the Food for All Program.