Virginia Fresh Match Receives $1 Million in State Funding to Expand Access to Local FoodAcross Virginia

RICHMOND, VA — September 21st, 2026 — Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) has been awarded $1 million in state funding in Virginia’s Fiscal 2027 budget to expand access to Virginia-grown fruits and vegetables for families using SNAP.

Virginia Fresh Match is a statewide nutrition incentive program that helps SNAP customers access fresh produce by doubling the value of their benefits on fruits and vegetables. The program operates through a network of farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and independent grocery stores across the Commonwealth.

The funding, appropriated by the Virginia General Assembly and included in the state’s enacted budget, will support the implementation and expansion of Virginia Fresh Match through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). The budget amendment directs $1 million in General Fund dollars to grow the network of farmers markets and local food retailers where SNAP customers can double the value of their benefits when purchasing fruits and vegetables.

“This investment is a powerful statement about what Virginia values: making healthy, local food more affordable for families while supporting the farmers and local businesses who grow and sell it,” said Elizabeth Borst, Network Director at Virginia Fresh Match. “We are grateful to the General Assembly for recognizing the importance of Virginia Fresh Match and investing in a program that strengthens food access and local agriculture at the same time. Special thanks to State Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Rae Cousins, Delegate Rodney Willett, and the Virginia Commission to End Hunger for championing and supporting this funding."

The new state investment will help VFM strengthen and expand this network, bringing the benefits of Virginia Fresh Match to more communities and making it easier for SNAP customers to purchase fresh, Virginia-grown food close to home. The investment builds on the program’s growing impact across the Commonwealth. In 2025, Virginia Fresh Match was available at more than 150 locations and supported more than 1,100 Virginia farmers.

“I am extremely pleased that our administration worked with our legislative partners to provide funding to expand Virginia Fresh Match’s network. This will help strengthen local food resources and affordability, while also supporting local economic infrastructure, especially in our rural communities. At a time when costs are rising across the Commonwealth, many families are also facing the largest cuts to food assistance in our nation’s history. Programs like Virginia Fresh Match are critically important as the Commonwealth continues to address these challenges,” said Katie Frazier, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “By increasing direct sourcing of fruits and vegetables from farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, and local retailers, we are securing long-term viability for Virginia’s agricultural producers and developing a resilient regional food supply system.”

“In addition to helping families afford nutritious food, Virginia Fresh Match directly benefits the Commonwealth’s agricultural industry by expanding market opportunities for farmers in the state and driving revenue for local family farms,” said Charles Green, VDACS Commissioner. “This funding will help expand a proven model that puts more resources in the hands of families and keeps more food dollars circulating in Virginia communities.”

As VFM begins implementing this new investment, the organization will work with farmers markets, local food retailers, community organizations, farmers, and state partners to expand the reach of nutrition incentives across Virginia.

About Virginia Fresh Match

Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) is a network of farmers markets, mobile markets, and community food stores across Virginia. VFM locations double the value of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) dollars spent on fruits and vegetables. With VFM, SNAP customers can afford more fruits and vegetables, local farmers earn extra income, and more dollars stay in the local economy. Learn more at VirginiaFreshMatch.org. For media inquiries, contact jess@virginiafreshmatch.org.

Fresh prduce at the Market@25th in Richmond, VA