State Support for Crop Cash, Crop Cash Plus, and the Farm Share Program

NOFA-VT is requesting renewed base funding from the Vermont Legislature to strengthen local farm viability and address food security by sustaining two proven programs: Crop Cash and Farm Share. The public investment in NOFA-VT’s longstanding food security programs will have an outsized impact on Vermont communities by ensuring that low-income Vermonters can purchase fresh, local food and Vermont farmers receive a reliable, fair price for their goods. 

State funding is necessary to maximize the federal and philanthropic dollars these programs can leverage. The State of Vermont can make policy choices that will ensure food security for everyone who lives here, while ensuring our farmers can profit from growing the food we all need. Public funding marks a crucial step forward on the Vermont Food Security Roadmap, a guide to ensuring all Vermonters are food-secure by 2035.

We were grateful to be awarded a one-time allocation from the State Legislature in 2024 to support these programs and are heartened by the momentum we have toward meaningful food security in our state. This base funding request marks a crucial next step forward. Voice your support for the campaign by filling out the digital supporter form.

Crop Cash

Crop Cash doubles 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits for fruits and vegetables purchased at Vermont farmers markets. The program is federally funded, but a local match is required. State funds will allow us to continue to meet increased demand and draw down as much federal funding as possible.

Crop Cash Plus

Crop Cash Plus, a 2023 pilot, expanded Crop Cash to all SNAP-eligible foods1 and extended the program’s impact to all agricultural vendors. During the 2023 season, Crop Cash Plus brought over $200,000 in additional revenue to Vermont farmers, and supported low-income Vermonters.

In 2024, Crop Cash Plus was not funded, but we have an opportunity to bring it back for the 2025 season. State funding is needed so that hundreds more farmers will benefit, and thousands of low-income Vermonters can purchase more local, fresh food.

Farm Share

The Farm Share Program has subsidized CSA shares2 for limited-income Vermonters for 30 years. The Farm Share Program pays for 25-75% of the CSA cost. State funding would allow us to support up to 700 families in purchasing a consistent supply of locally grown food.

 

1 SNAP-eligible foods include most foods intended for human consumption, excluding hot prepared meals, tobacco, and alcohol.
2 CSA (also known as Community Supported Agriculture) is a sales model that connects people directly with farmers. When you sign up for a CSA at a farm, you pay in advance for a
portion (or “share”) of the farm’s upcoming harvest, and receive a weekly box of food all season.

Supporting Testimony

Funding for these programs helps to support a world we all deserve to live in: one where everyone knows the joy of a fresh picked tomato on a summer day, where everyone has equitable access to nourishing food, and where we support essential farmers and food producers.

- Anonymous 3SquaresVT recipient
Barre, VT
Supporting Testimony

We are missing the Crop Cash Plus Program! It was such a huge boost for people to access fresh local nutrient-dense proteins like meat and eggs that they can’t get otherwise.

Justin Bramhall and Vanessa Rose
Farmers at Leaping Bear Farm in Putney, VT
Supporting Testimony

These programs have made a tremendous difference in supporting low-income households and supporting local farms. Most farmers are low-income people and can’t afford to keep food prices low while still paying our staff and our bills. These programs help fill the gap between what we need to charge and what low-income households can afford to pay.

Elizabeth Wood
Farmer at New Leaf CSA in Dummerston, VT

Support the Campaign!

If you'd like to be part of this people-powered effort, we invite you to take a brief moment to fill out the digital support form, adding a personal note to let your legislators know why you support food security and farm viability through NOFA-VT’s Local Food Access Programs. The form below is for individuals. If you'd like to voice your support on behalf of a business or organization, please fill out this form.

 

Learn More About NOFA-VT's State Policy Priorities and Campaigns

We advocate on behalf of our members to build a food and farming system where farmers can thrive, natural systems are healthy and functioning, and everyone has enough nourishing food to eat. 

State Policy Priorities
Watercolor of Vermont state outline