As Vermont's summer farmers markets reach full swing, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) is bringing back Crop Cash Plus, a significant expansion to the existing incentive program known as Crop Cash, which provides matching funds to 3SquaresVT recipients who spend their benefits at participating farmers markets.
3SquaresVT, known nationally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistace Program (SNAP), helps people buy food by providing monthly benefits on an EBT card, which works like a debit card and can be used at grocery stores, co-ops, and many farmers markets. During the summer 2025 farmers market season, Crop Cash Plus will increase the buying power of shoppers using 3SquaresVT benefits while also widening the array of products eligible for purchase.
Local summer markets participating the Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus programs include Bellows Falls Farmers Market (Fridays 4 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 24), Brattleboro Area Farmers Market (Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 25), Putney Farmers Market (Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 19), and Townshend Farmers Market (Fridays 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. through Oct. 10).
For every dollar of 3SquaresVT benefits Vermonters spend at participating farmers markets, they receive a dollar - up to $20 per market per day -of Crop Cash to spend on fruits, vegetables, herbs, and culinary seeds or plant starts.
Crop Cash Plus was piloted in the summer of 2023 and is made possible this year thanks to an appropriation in the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets' fiscal year 2026 budget. This year, the Crop Cash Plus program will provide an additional dollar match up to $10 to spend on any 3SquaresVT-eligible item, which expands shoppers' options to include foods such as meat, dairy, and bread.
This means that a 3SquaresVT shopper who spends $20 or more of their benefits at the market will receive an additional $20 in Crop Cash and $10 in Crop Cash Plus to spend on eligible items, providing a total purchasing power of $50.
"All people, regardless of circumstance, should have access to nourishing local and organic food," said NOFA-VT Executive Director Grace Oedel in a news release. "At the same time, farmers should be paid a fair wage for their critical work tending Vermont's lands and feeding our communities. Crop Cash Plus alleviates financial barriers to fresh, healthy, local food for Vermont families while getting more money into the pockets of our farmers. It's a win-win!"
In the 2024 market year, including summer and winter markets, $190,000 of Crop Cash was spent at participating markets. Crop Cash is accepted at more than 40 farmers markets across the state, and Vermonters can visit multiple markets each week to maximize benefits. Anyone who currently receives 3SquaresVT benefits automatically qualifies to participate in the Crop Cash program through NOFA-VT - no additional application is necessary.
To learn more about 3SquaresVT and see if you're eligible, visit VermontFoodHelp.com. For a full list of farmers markets accepting Crop Cash in 2025, visit NOFAVT.org.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.