You can get free food in Vermont (and even double your food benefits) through these nutrition incentive programs! These programs offer free fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets.
In this article, we’ll explain what these programs are, who is eligible for them, how they work and what you need to do to start getting free produce with your next SNAP purchase.
Farm to Family
Vermont’s Farm to Family Program serves any resident who meets the income guidelines! You’ll get free vouchers that can be used at local farmers markets, making this an easy way for low income households to get free food in Vermont.
What is the Farm to Family program?
The Farm to Family program provides up to $30 in free coupons that can be used to purchase locally-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs at participating farmers markets and farm stands around the state.
If you are over age 60, you can get $48 in coupons! That makes this a great way for seniors to get extra food.
Who is eligible?
In order to be eligible for this program, you must be a Vermont resident and meet the income guidelines. The guidelines change every year but are listed on the Vermont Department for Children and Families website.
In 2023, the income limits are $2,248 for a single person, $3,041 for a couple, or $4,625 for a household of four.
How do you apply?
There are two ways to apply to the Farm to Family program.
If you receive WIC, you can apply by attending a WIC Farm to Family session in your area. The schedules for these events can be found in your WIC newsletters or by calling your local health office.
If you do not currently receive WIC but meet the income limits for this program, you can apply at your local Community Action Agency. The application process typically begins between mid-June or July of each year.
You First
You First isn’t technically a food-focused program but it is a way that you could get free food in Vermont! After all, this program that can help you get extra coupons to your local farmers market!
What is You First?
You First is a program that covers the cost of breast and cervical cancers screenings and diagnostic follow-ups.
In addition to that service, they also offer special benefits for people who are between the ages of 30 and 64 years old. These special benefits include things like health coaching, fitness memberships, weight loss programs, state parks passes, and coupons for local farmers markets.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for You First if you meet the following criteria:
- You live in Vermont.
- You are 21 years old or older.
- You have (or previously had) breasts or a cervix.
- You meet the income guidelines.
How do you apply?
You can apply online using the application form on the You First website.
If you prefer, you can also print the application. Someone can help you fill it out if you call their organization at 800-508-2222 as well.
Crop Cash
You can get up to $20 worth of free food in Vermont when you shop at participating markets with your 3SquaresVT food stamps benefits! This program will help you buy more nutritious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables with your benefits.
ALERT: This program is temporarily paused. The pause began on December 1, 2023 and is expected to last until April 2024.
What is Crop Cash?
Crop Cash is a nutrition incentive program that helps low income Vermont residents get more food with their benefits. When you spend your food benefits at a participating market, you’ll receive extra in-market currency to purchase locally grown, nutritious food.
You can use your Crop Cash to purchase fresh, locally-grown:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Herbs
- Culinary seeds
- Plant starts
The program runs during the summer and winter market seasons, although the rules may vary slightly between seasons.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits in Vermont can use this program. If you use SNAP, you can receive $10 from Crop Cash and an additional $10 from Crop Cash PLUS. That’s $20 in free bonus bucks when you spend $10 in benefits!
If you receive EBT Cash benefits, you can still receive some benefits when you shop at participating markets. According to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, EBT cash shoppers can receive a one-to-one dollar match in the winter or Crop Cash PLUS in the summer.
Don’t forget! If you’re eligible for Crop Cash, you’re also eligible for these EBT discounts, too!
How do you apply?
You don’t need to apply before you visit the market. Instead, just go to a participating market and talk to the market manager at the information booth. Tell them how much you want to spend that day and they’ll give you tokens and Cash Crop vouchers so that you can purchase eligible products from the different vendors at the market.
Where can I use these benefits?
The following markets are offering Cash Crop benefits as of this publication:
| City | Name |
| Arlington | Arlington Village Farmers Market |
| Barre | Barre Farmers Market |
| Brattleboro | Brattleboro Area Farmers Market |
| Burlington | Burlington Farmers Market |
| St. Johnsbury | Caledonia Farmers Market Association |
| Montpelier | Capital City Farmers Market |
| South Hero | Champlain Islands Farmers Market |
| Chelsea | Chelsea Farmers Market |
| Craftsbury | Craftsbury Farmers Market |
| Dorset | Dorset Farmers Market |
| Bellows Falls | Greater Falls Farmers Market |
| Greensboro | Greensboro Farmers Market |
| Hardwick | Hardwick Area Farmers Market |
| Windsor | Hartland Farmers Market |
| Jericho | Jericho Farmers Market |
| Lyndonville | Lyndon Farmers Market |
| Mancester Center | Manchester Farmers Market |
| Woodstock | Market on the Green |
| Middlebury | Middlebury Farmers Market |
| Milton | Milton Farmers Market |
| Morrisville | Morrisville Farmers Market |
| Newport | Newport Farmers Market |
| Northfield | Northfield Farmers Market |
| St. Albans | Northwest Farmers Market |
| Norwich | Norwich Farmers Market |
| Burlington | Old North End Farmers Market |
| Putney | Putney Winter Farmers Market |
| Randolph | Randolph Farmers Market |
| Richmond | Richmond Farmers Market |
| Rochester | Rochester Farmers Market |
| Shelburne | Shelburne Farmers Market |
| Townshend | Townshend Farmers Market |
| Rutland | Vermont Farmers Market |
| Waitsfield | Waitsfield Farmers Market |
| Waterbury | Waterbury Farmers Market |
| Winooski | Winooski Farmers Market |
| Londonderry | West River Farmers Market |
Summary
There are several programs that will help you get free food in Vermont. These programs can help you double or even triple the value of your 3SquaresVT food stamps benefits or give you free coupons for farmers markets outside of those benefits. These are great ways to get more food when you’re on a tight budget.