Virginia Fresh Match: Extra Funds for Fresh Produce
The Virginia Fresh Match program is an essential initiative that helps Virginia residents stretch their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits further while supporting local farmers. By participating in this program, individuals and families using SNAP or EBT benefits can double their purchasing power at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and community retailers across the state.
What is the Virginia Fresh Match Program?
Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) is a network of over 130 farmers markets, mobile markets, and food stores across Virginia that offers a nutrition incentive program. When SNAP recipients use their EBT cards at participating outlets, they can receive a discount or double their dollars on fresh produce.
For example, if a SNAP recipient spends $10 using their EBT card, they receive an additional $10 to spend on eligible produce, effectively doubling their purchasing power.
Eligibility and Benefits
The program is available to anyone who receives SNAP benefits. To use the Virginia Fresh Match program, SNAP recipients simply visit a participating market, swipe their EBT card at the market manager’s booth or checkout, and receive tokens or vouchers equal to the amount charged.
These vouchers can then be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local vendors. The program typically matches purchases up to a certain limit, ensuring that participants can maximize their food budget.
Supporting Local Farmers and Communities
The Virginia Fresh Match program benefits SNAP recipients and provides significant support to local farmers. By increasing the purchasing power of local families, the program drives more customers to farmers’ markets, ensuring that farmers receive full price for their products.
This boosts the local economy and forms stronger connections between communities and local agriculture. Moreover, it helps reduce food insecurity by making fresh, nutritious produce more accessible to those in need.
Finding Participating Markets
Virginia Fresh Match is available at numerous locations across the state, including seasonal and year-round farmers markets, farm stands, and select grocery stores. To find a participating location near you, you can visit the Virginia Fresh Match website​ and use their location finder tool. This ensures that you can easily access fresh, local produce, no matter where you are in Virginia.
The Virginia Fresh Match program is a valuable resource for both SNAP recipients and local farmers. By promoting the use of SNAP benefits at farmers’ markets, the program helps families eat healthier and supports the sustainability of local farms, thereby strengthening the community as a whole. For more information and to find a participating market near you, visit the Virginia Fresh Match website​.
