Farmers markets are vital for resilient local food systems. Virginia Fresh Match is committed to providing equitable access to quality food, supporting local farmers, and protecting the health and safety of the community. In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, the Virginia Fresh Match Network is focusing our work to support farmers markets and neighborhood grocery stores as they navigate how to best provide continued affordable access to healthy food in their communities.
According to executive order 65 issued on June 9th, 2020 the Forward Virginia Phase two guidelines for farmers markets can be found on the official site of The Commonwealth of Virginia. This order establishes guidelines and best practices (pages 14-16) for operating farmers markets in Virginia during COVID-19.
The three neighborhood grocery stores with Virginia Fresh Match Friendly City Food Co-op (Harrisonburg), Roanoke Co-op, and The Market at 25th (Richmond) are still open and offering Virginia Fresh Match incentives. If you are a customer looking for information about a local outlet please follow the link to our VFM map, find your locations, and reach out to your market directly as their hours or location may have changed temporarily.
If you are a market manager, store owner, or community member seeking support please reach out to one of the Virginia Fresh Match regional leads.
Covid-19 and our response are constantly changing. please monitor our social media or reach out directly if you have time-sensitive questions or concerns. Thanks for your continued support of Virginia Fresh Match and local farmers, grocers, and food producers!
VFM – SNAP communication during COVID19
You SNAP. We MATCH: A win for families, farmers & communities.
Virginia Fresh Match nutrition incentives double the value of SNAP (food stamps) spent at participating farmers markets and food stores. Virginia Fresh Match helps people bring home more healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables and supports local farmers.
Get more fruits and vegetables when you spend your SNAP dollars at participating farmers markets and food stores.
For example, spend $10 with your EBT card and get another $10 FREE to buy fresh fruits and vegetables locally grown in Virginia.
Looking for a farmers market where you can use and double SNAP?
All across Virginia, in big cities and small towns, farmers markets participate in Virginia Fresh Match. View our interactive map to find a Virginia Fresh Match farmers market or food store near you.
Want to help us provide affordable fresh fruits and vegetables to even more low-income customers in your community and throughout Virginia? You can directly support Virginia Fresh Match by donating now via our secure online giving platform.
As a SNAP recipient, I truly value the incentive program as it allows me to buy fresh, healthy foods with my SNAP card, and get extra funds for fruits and vegetables. I care for my elderly father and this program helps my family have access to healthy foods despite our financial limitations.
Alin, Spotsyvania Farmers Market SNAP shopperLearning what to eat in my nutrition class then being able to shop at the Lynchburg Community Market with my [SNAP Benefits] has changed my life. I am in recovery… now I know better and do better.
Carrie Ann, Lynchburg Community Market SNAP shopperWhen the Farmer’s Market did not accept SNAP I was unable to shop there for my family. Now, not only do I shop there but I do so year-round. The doubling benefit helps with affordability… My children eat more fruits and vegetables because of this… they enjoy shopping for produce.
Lisa, LEAP Market SNAP shopper in Roanoke VA