Vermonters using their 3SquaresVT benefits will be able to receive more help to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for their families through a new program called Crop Cash, Hunger Free Vermont announced this week.
The nonprofit that works to reduce hunger across the state, said there are about 83,000 state residents who receive 3SquaresVT benefits to help them buy food for their families.
The Crop Cash program will allow people to double their purchasing power at farmers’ markets that accept EBT cards.
Here’s how it works:
Vermonters go to a booth at the market designated with the “EBT and Debit Accepted Here” sign to swipe their EBT card.
They say how much of their benefits they would like to spend and then swipe their card.
They will be given wooden tokens worth $1 each to use at any vendor that sells 3SquaresVT-eligible foods.
As a bonus for shopping at the market, they will also be given Crop Cash, an orange bill in $1 increments, to match their EBT purchases, up to $10 per market day. Crop Cash is then used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the market.
According to Hunger Free Vermont, “The Crop Cash Incentive Program is a win-win for 3SquaresVT households who are able to purchase more farm-fresh fruits and veggies, as well as local farmers who are able to market their products to more Vermonters.”
There are more than 45 farmers markets in Vermont where people can use their 3SquaresVT benefits and double these benefits with Crop Cash.
For a list of EBT markets, visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com or dial 2-1-1.
The Crop Cash Incentive Program is coordinated by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), with funding from the USDA Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grant Program and Wholesome Wave.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Crop Cash program to allow 3SquaresVT benefit to be doubled at farmers’ markets.