During National Farmers Market Week this August, RVA resident Patrick Warner logged 500-miles on his bike as he made his way across Virginia, with stops at seven different farmers markets, as part of the Virginia Market Ride. Warner, a Richmond City Police Officer, participated in the lengthy ride to raise awareness and funds to increase food access for underserved communities in the Richmond region. Warner used an Indiegogo campaign to allow people to contribute by pledging per mile or through various sponsorship opportunities as part of the Virginia Market Ride. Proceeds from Warner’s ride were directed to nonprofits like FeedRVA and the Virginia Farmers Market Marketing Association (VFMMA).
Before his ride, RVA residents knew Warner mainly as a Richmond City Police Officer dedicated to protecting and serving the city for over15 years. He also serves as manager of the Carytown Farmers Market and is an advocate for strengthening the local economy.
Thanks to Warner, the Carytown Farmers Market is now in its second season and serves as a producer-only market in the heart of Carytown. The market offers activities and live music and accepts SNAP federal assistance benefits.
The idea for the Virginia Market Ride came to Warner as he began to learn more about food justice issues. “Riding across the state of Virginia was always something I wanted to accomplish,” says Warner. “The idea for the Virginia Market Ride all fell into place one day as I was riding my bike during work…the idea to combine my enjoyment for bicycling along with a desire to increase awareness for markets and raise money was born.”
During the ride, Warner visited seven SNAP-friendly farmers markets, starting at the Yorktown farmers market and ending at Big Stone Gap. Warner says that he would like to see the Virginia Market Ride continue and grow beyond the first ride, and he welcomes other cyclists to join him along next year’s route. “I could see an added component of physical fitness attached to future rides…bringing awareness that a healthy body is sustainable through exercise and buying local, healthy food from farmers markets.