Farmers Market Season Is Not Over Yet

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited farmers markets in nearly every part of our state. In my experience, each one is unique. But there is one thing that has stood out to me almost every time: Each one holds a strong sense of community. It is a place where Vermonters come together to support local farmers, feel connected to the land, be a part of their local economy, take pride in their town, and enjoy each other’s company.

As we continue the work to ensure all of Vermont recovers from this summer’s flooding, stronger and more resilient than before, it’s important that we support Vermont agriculture. And one of the ways we can do that is by heading to our local farmers market or farm stand – many of which continue into the fall and winter.

Earlier this summer, the Bernie Buzz had the chance to head out to the Hardwick Farmers Market, which got its start in 1992. I hope you’ll take a moment to hear more of their story in the video above. There are farmers markets all across the state. Click here to find one near you.

This year, Vermonters with school-aged children have even more ways to support local farms. Because our state offers universal school meals at every public school, all students received a summer benefit of $120, regardless of income. And thanks to Vermont’s “Crop Cash” program that money is matched, making it worth more when spent at a farmers market. Learn more below on how you can use these benefits.

Sincerely, 

What On Earth Is “Crop Cash?” and More

Many Vermont farmers markets participate in efforts to make local, fresh-grown food more affordable and accessible to Vermont households of all incomes, including through the Crop Cash Program, Farm to Family coupons, and the Pandemic Emergency Benefits Transfer (P-EBT). You can get more information on food assistance resources available across Vermont – including about local food shelves and farmers markets – by clicking HERE or calling Vermont 2-1-1.

• Crop Crash helps make markets more affordable by matching and strengthening 3SquaresVT/SNAP dollars. From October 1 through April 30, 2024, the Crop Cash Program will double up to $10 of 3SquaresVT/SNAP spent at participating farmers markets, each market day. This means $10 in 3SquaresVT/SNAP = $20 in total purchasing power. To learn more about Crop Cash and to see the list of farmers markets participating in the program this season, see here: https://www.nofavt.org/services-resources/consumers/community-food-access/crop-cash
  
  
• Farm to Family coupons allow eligible households to receive $30 in coupons that can be used to buy locally grown, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut herbs at participating farmers markets and farm stands. To learn more about Farm to Family coupons, visit: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/f2f
  
  
• Vermonters who received a Pandemic Emergency Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) – a program which was created to help households with children access fresh, wholesome food during the pandemic – are also able to use these funds at participating farmers markets and general stores. The P-EBT benefit is available to all eligible Vermonters, regardless of income or need. Using it does not take money away from others. In fact, it will help stimulate our economy by circulating dollars in our local communities. This year, all students attending public school received $120 in P-EBT. This money can be used to buy groceries for your family, purchase non-perishable goods for donation at a local food pantry, or be matched in value through the Crop Cash program if spent at a local farmers market. You can find more information about the EBT program in general, including where to use it, and a list of eligible foods, here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/ebt.