August 5, 2025
As Vermont 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 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 triple the buying power of shoppers using 3SquaresVT benefits while also widening the array of products eligible for purchase. 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’ FY26 budget.
For every dollar of 3SquaresVT benefits Vermonters spend at participating farmers markets, they can 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. In 2025, 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 3SquaresVT shoppers who spend $20 or more of their benefits will receive an additional $20 in Crop Cash and $10 in Crop Cash PLUS to spend on eligible items. This provides a total purchasing power of $50!
“All people, regardless of circumstance, should have access to nourishing local and organic food,” said Grace Oedel, Executive Director of NOFA-VT. “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! We hope as many folks as possible take advantage of this special offering by visiting their local farmers market this season.”
“More than 65,000 Vermonters are supported by 3SquaresVT each month, and many more may be eligible to receive benefits,” said Ivy Enoch, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Hunger Free Vermont. “Not only does the Crop Cash program provide 3SquaresVT participants with access to fresh, nourishing, and local food, but these dollars go straight back into the Vermont economy to support the farmers who grow that amazing food for us. It is a win-win for farmers, families, and food security.”
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 NOFA-VT's interactive online directory.
For questions specific to Crop Cash, contact Andrew Graham, Farmers Market Specialist, at 802-419-0029 or [email protected].
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About Hunger Free Vermont: Hunger Free Vermont is a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates and educates to bring a permanent end to hunger in Vermont through systemic change, universal strategies, and community collaboration. Since 1993, Hunger Free Vermont’s outreach programs have substantially enhanced Vermont’s nutrition safety net. We work to expand access to the federal programs that provide nutritious foods for school, childcare, summer and afterschool meals, and to expand access to 3SquaresVT (known nationally as SNAP), which provides food for Vermonters at home. www.hungerfreevt.org