Virginia Produce Matches Expand Fresh Food Access

Low-income families using SNAP and WIC can stretch benefits toward fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Organic Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of a wooden crate of tomatoes, peppers, and greens on a market table, evoking fresh local produce access. — Virginia Community Food Connections has renamed itself Farm to Neighbor, expanding programs that let SNAP and WIC families use benefits for fresh produce at farmers markets. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Virginia Community Food Connections has renamed itself Farm to Neighbor, the organization announced as of Monday. The nonprofit operates programs that connect SNAP and WIC recipients with fresh produce at farmers markets and supply food pantries across the region.

Why it matters

Staff described the old acronym as one that long-time partners could not decode, which the organization saw as a fundraising and recognition problem. The organization hopes the new name will communicate its mission, strengthen partnerships, and build a regional network for fresh food access.

The figures are self-reported program outputs from the nonprofit for last year, not an independent evaluation. The source does not include a comparison to prior years or an outside audit of the $747,295 economic benefit estimate.

The players

Farm to Neighbor

A Virginia nonprofit, formerly Virginia Community Food Connections, that runs farmers market produce-match and pantry supply programs for low-income residents.

George Washington Regional Commission

A regional planning body in Virginia whose work in 2010 launched the initiative that became this food access organization.

The details

Virginia Fresh Match operates at eight farmers markets from Caroline County north to Dale City, where SNAP recipients who spend up to $30 receive up to $30 in free fruits and vegetables. WIC families enrolled in the program receive $15 in Veggie Vouchers to spend on fresh produce. Farm to Pantry coordinates with local farms to supply fresh produce to food pantries, and the organization plans to grow that program.

- 2010: Work began as part of the George Washington Regional Commission.
- 2015: The organization became a registered independent nonprofit.
- Last year: Programs served 31,132 people and distributed $358,318 to vendors.
- Monday (week of November 2, 2026): The organization officially adopted the name Farm to Neighbor.

Health Landscape

Produce-match programs like Virginia Fresh Match sit alongside federal SNAP and WIC benefits, extending them toward fresh fruits and vegetables. Their growth reflects a broader effort to connect food assistance recipients with local, fresh food sources.

Residents in Virginia who use SNAP or WIC may be able to stretch their benefits toward fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. Anyone wanting to know whether they qualify for these matches should check with the organization or their local WIC office.

The takeaway

Programs that pair federal food assistance with fresh local produce can help more households reach fresh fruits and vegetables. If you or someone you know receives SNAP or WIC, ask your local market or WIC office whether a produce match is available nearby.