During the week of Sept. 22–28, every recipient of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, known as SNAP, can double their dollars when buying fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.
During the week, residents get a two-to-one match for SNAP dollars at local farmers markets instead of the regular one-to-one match. Double Match Week is hosted by Virginia Fresh Match Farmers Market Partners — a network of farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stores, and community food stores.
For example, every $10 of SNAP spent on food at a farmers market — excluding hot or single-serving items — will translate into $20 in Virginia Fresh Match tokens to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, explained Elizabeth Borst, director of advocacy for Virginia Fresh Match.
“People are really struggling right now, and it will get worse as the SNAP cuts take place,” she said, referring to the Trump administration making eligibility changes to federal food assistance, which is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of Virginians.
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Community members using SNAP benefits can double their dollars at local farmers markets this week
During the week of Sept. 22–28, every recipient of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, known as SNAP, can double their dollars when buying fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.
Here are the dates and locations:
Little Market at Lampo
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 3 p.m.- 7 p.m.
205 Monticello Road, Charlottesville (outside Lampo Pizzeria)
Farmers in the Park
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
1300 Pen Park Road, Charlottesville
The Farmers Market at Ix
Saturday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m.-noon
522 Second St. SE, Charlottesville
Charlottesville City Market
Saturday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
100 E. Water St., Charlottesville
Starr Hill Farmers Market
Sunday, Sept. 28, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
233 Fourth St. NW, Charlottesville (Jefferson School City Center)
To read more about the program, find participating vendors and see which foods are eligible, see the Virginia Fresh Match website or contact Samantha Provencio at samantha@marketcentral.org.
“Programs like this that provide families access to affordable fruits and vegetables and support local farmers like this are more important than ever,” said Borst on a call with Charlottesville Tomorrow.
Virginia Fresh Match continues to offer the standard one-to-one match outside of the event.
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