Governor Spanberger Celebrates 15 Years of SNAP Benefits Accepted at Virginia Farmers Markets

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today during Virginia Farmers Market Week marked the 15th anniversary of Virginia's initiative to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their benefits at farmers markets across the Commonwealth.

This statewide effort has expanded access to fresh, locally grown food for more than 155,000 Virginians, supported 1,100 Virginia farmers, and contributed $18 million to Virginia's economy by promoting the production and purchase of Virginia-grown produce. More than 749,000 Virginians rely on SNAP benefits to feed themselves and their families.

"When we invest in our families, our farmers, and our communities, everyone benefits," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "For 15 years, this program has helped families put fresh, healthy food on the table while creating new opportunities for Virginia farmers to grow their businesses. Every Virginian deserves access to nutritious, locally grown food. We are proud to celebrate 15 years of helping families eat healthier, supporting Virginia farmers, and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth."

Governor Spanberger continued, "But this milestone comes as we are contending with some of the worst impacts of federal cuts to SNAP - and threats to Virginians' ability to put food on their families' tables. Our Commonwealth is using every avenue available to us to keep as many families as possible connected to the programs on which they rely."

In 2011, the Virginia Department of Social Services launched this statewide initiative to enable SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards at approved farmers markets and with participating growers. This effort also led to the creation of Virginia Fresh Match, a network of farmers markets and local food retailers that doubles the value of SNAP purchases on fruits and vegetables. Greater access to nutritious food is associated with lower rates of chronic disease and improved health outcomes, and communities with better nutrition experience longer life expectancies.

"We are all better off when families can afford fresh, healthy food," said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa. "For 15 years, this program has helped people stretch their SNAP benefits, supported local farmers, and strengthened communities across the Commonwealth. As federal changes create new challenges, Virginia will keep working to protect access to nutritious food and build on what we know works."

"Farmers markets across Virginia, ensure their communities have healthy, locally grown food available to residents," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier. "And for 15 years, the availability of the SNAP benefits at Virginia farmers markets has been critical to lowering barriers for Virginians to access those healthy, local foods while also supporting the farmers growing these products. When we support our farmers, we know we are strengthening the Commonwealth."

"I was proud to spear-head this initiative 15 years ago and celebrating this milestone anniversary on Farmers Market Week feels like a full circle moment," said Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources Toni Blue. "Hard-working families deserve access to fresh, affordable, locally grown food and farmers markets accepting SNAP has helped to make that happen."

President Donald Trump's so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" cuts $187 billion in federal funding for SNAP assistance over the next decade - the largest reduction in the program's history. According to new dashboards launched by the Spanberger Administration, nearly 7,000 Virginians are at risk of losing their food assistance due to these federal cuts. Virginia's biennial 2026-2028 state budget contains nearly $1 billion in investments focused on protecting Virginians from the impacts of H.R.1 - including $135 million to support greater SNAP administrative costs.

Virginians can visit the Virginia Department of Social Services for more information about SNAP and H.R.1's changes to the program. Virginia farmers markets or farm stands who are interested in accepting SNAP benefits can click here to learn more.

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