The history behind Real Local RVA is rooted in Richmond, VA and an effort to grow the local food movement. The group was started as an informal round table in the beginning of 2014, better known then as the Local Food Group. The vision was to create a network of informed, passionate, creative community members working to increase awareness and knowledge of locally grown food. The group was officially established in 2015 by Rick Hood of Ellwood Thompson’s, Donnie Caffery of Good Foods Grocery, Sam Dortch of Libbie Market, Michelle Williams of the Richmond Restaurant Group and Joe Sparatta and Lee Gregory of Southbound. We are grateful to those who helped launch Real Local RVA and recognize our past leadership below.