Governor Abigail Spanberger today celebrated the 15th anniversary of Virginia's initiative allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at farmers markets, an effort that has expanded access to fresh, locally grown food for over 155,000 Virginians. This milestone, observed during Virginia Farmers Market Week, highlights a program that has also supported 1,100 Virginia farmers and contributed $18 million to the state's economy.
The statewide initiative, launched by the Virginia Department of Social Services in 2011, enables SNAP recipients to use EBT cards at approved farmers markets. It also led to the creation of Virginia Fresh Match, which doubles the value of SNAP purchases on fruits and vegetables, promoting better nutrition and health outcomes for communities. More than 749,000 Virginians rely on SNAP benefits.
"When we invest in our families, our farmers, and our communities, everyone benefits," said Governor Abigail Spanberger, emphasizing the program's success in helping families access healthy food and creating opportunities for farmers. Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa added, "We are all better off when families can afford fresh, healthy food."
However, this celebration comes amidst significant federal changes. President Donald Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill" includes $187 billion in federal funding cuts to SNAP over the next decade, the largest reduction in the program's history. These cuts risk nearly 7,000 Virginians losing food assistance, according to new dashboards from the Spanberger Administration.
In response, Virginia's 2026-2028 state budget allocates nearly $1 billion to protect Virginians from these federal impacts, including $135 million specifically for increased SNAP administrative costs. Governor Spanberger affirmed, "Our Commonwealth is using every avenue available to us to keep as many families as possible connected to the programs on which they rely."