The discipline of home economics was first conceptualized in the 1890s by Ellen Swallow Richard, who subsequently founded the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) in January 1909. Seven women, including Mary Ledger Moffett, Mary E. Dillard, and Frances Sale began organizing the Virginia Home Economics Association (VHEA) later that year, with Mary E. Dillard becoming the first president in 1910.

The VHEA functioned as an affiliate of the national branch in its mission, promoting individual, family and community well-being in Virginia. This organization's Committee for the Standardization of Consumer Goods, chaired during the 1930s by Ilena M. Bailey, focused on the creation of quality standards for products such as blankets, sheets, pillowcases, stockings, canned food, and refrigerators.

The AHEA changed its name to the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) in 1994 in order to more accurately define the scope of the profession in general. The VHEA followed suit, becoming the Virginia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (VAFCS).

With its predecessor, the VAFCS has served Virginia as a source of practical knowledge about human growth and development, personal behavior, housing and environment, food and nutrition, apparel and textiles, and resource management. It has also influenced Virginia legislation pertaining to the family unit by disseminating information and lobbying. The VAFCS is currently (2008) headquartered in Amelia, Virginia.