SNAP Shutdown: How the Virginia Fresh Match Harvest Special Helped Bridge the Gap

Fresh produce at the independent grocery store, Wakefield Great Value Market, in Wakefield, VA

For the first time in the history of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), benefits were delayed due to the government shutdown. In Virginia, more than 850,000 people (about 1 in 8 Virginians) rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Most of these households include children, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and workers whose wages do not cover the rising cost of living.

Quick action by the Commonwealth allowed the state to issue temporary weekly emergency benefits using state funds. This stopgap measure ensured that families received a quarter of their benefits each week. 

In response to the limited SNAP funds and uncertainty around future payments, Virginia Fresh Match launched the Harvest Special, an additional discount for SNAP customers who may have very limited funds available to purchase food during this time of need. Throughout the month of November, participating farmers markets, mobile markets, and grocery stores made it more affordable for families to purchase fresh, local produce. At farmers markets, families with SNAP were given $20 in extra tokens to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to the standard VFM tokens. At retail locations, the usual 50% discount on produce increased to 75% the week before Thanksgiving. 

Impact:

During the month of November, VFM distributed more than $51,000 in Harvest Special funds. $28,000 was redeemed at independent grocery stores, and $23,000 in additional tokens were distributed at farmers markets. More than 2,500 customers across the state utilized the Harvest Special to stock up on produce. Many customers report purchasing extra veggies to can or freeze, anticipating more challenging times ahead. These funds were spent exclusively with small businesses and local Virginia farms. 

Seasonal produce at the Historic Manassas Farmers Market in Manassas, VA

The Historic Manassas Farmers Market shared that “the Harvest Special was a blessing in a time of uncertainty…as many did not receive their November benefits or it was delayed. The participating vendors were happy to support the initiative and happy to have additional sales. The opportunity to extend our community initiatives outside the regular market season showed we have the capacity to serve and empower our community through changing times.”

The Birdhouse Farmers Market shared that “Everyone was thrilled! We had many happy tears and hugs at the Welcome Tent as people realized they could still purchase fruits and veggies, even with very limited SNAP funds.”

Savannah Roberts, token operator at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market displays information about the the VFM Harvest Special in Farsi

In context:

SNAP benefits were unavailable for about two weeks. While short, this lapse offered a glimpse of what reduced federal food assistance could look like. Virginia food banks saw a sharp increase in need, with some reporting demand spikes of 20–30% or more during the shutdown.

Many farmers and small retailers depend on SNAP spending to keep their businesses viable. One VFM outlet reported that SNAP makes up between 10-50% of their daily sales. Cuts to SNAP ripple through entire local food economies, leaving families with fewer choices and small businesses with less income. As household budgets shrink, families often turn to food pantries and other charitable resources to fill the gap.

The shutdown is only the latest in a series of disruptions facing Virginia’s food access network. Federal cuts to programs this spring and fall removed critical funding streams that support farmers, markets, and community food access programs. The Virginia Food Access Coalition estimates that more than $50.5 million in federal funding for food access was cancelled this year alone. With reductions to federal SNAP support, Virginia is projected to shoulder an additional $351 million to maintain current levels of assistance. 

Harvest Special signage was displayed at participating locations across the Commonwealth to raise awareness for the program

Farmers, markets, retailers, and nonprofit partners across the VFM network moved quickly to fill the SNAP gap, making sure families had access not only to enough food, but to healthy, locally grown produce. Their response demonstrated how essential Virginia’s local food system is during times of crisis. As demand continues to rise, these community-based partners show that local food can play a powerful, lasting role in strengthening food security across the Commonwealth.