Stories from the Field: Virginia Community Food Connection's Record-Breaking Month

Dale City Farmers Market in Woodbridge, VA

This summer, Virginia Community Food Connections (VCFC) set a new record for Virginia Fresh Match at the Dale City Farmers Market. Over five weekends in August, VCFC facilitated 787 transactions, serving more than 3,500 people. In the process, they broke our network’s all-time record for the most dollars doubled in a single month at one outlet. 

VCFC is a nonprofit operating in Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties, working at the intersection of local food and food access. They have offered SNAP and nutrition incentives at regional farmers markets for 16 years, in addition to farm to food pantry distributions and food systems development coordination through the Fredericksburg Food Access Forum. 

Why This Matters

The Dale City Farmers Market has long been a hub for fresh, local food, and with VCFC’s leadership, it has become one of the strongest access points for families using SNAP benefits. About 11% of the population in their service area lacks consistent access to nutritious foods. By making fruits and vegetables more affordable with Virginia Fresh Match, VCFC not only ensures that families can put wholesome food on the table but also keeps food dollars in the hands of local farmers in the historically agricultural region. 

Each transaction represents choice, dignity, and the ability for families to stretch their grocery budgets a little further while participating in the local economy. It also represents real support for Virginia farmers, who are able to sell more of what they grow and reinvest those dollars back into their businesses and communities.

The Bigger Picture

This milestone comes at a time when families across Virginia are facing greater financial strain. Cuts to SNAP benefits and reductions in food bank funding have left many households with fewer options to meet their basic needs. Fresh produce, already out of reach for too many families, becomes even harder to afford in the face of rising food costs.

Now more than ever, families are turning to farmers markets and community food programs for help. Together, we can ensure that low income families have access to fresh, healthy food grown in their own communities.

Dale City Farmers Market serves SNAP customers from across the region.