Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** virginia fresh match (VFM) is a…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** virginia fresh match (VFM) is a statewide, collaborative network of food system leaders and community food retailers. VFM funds innovative nutrition incentive (NI) programs and provides resources to lower the cost of fruits and vegetables (FV) for people experiencing nutrition insecurity. The VFM network currently represents 117 outlets, 10 regional food access leaders, and over 20 collaborative stakeholders and state partners. The VFM plan builds upon a decade of shared experience growing strong NI programs using a peer-to-peer network of community-based programs, regional leadership and centralized support. While partnering with current and new firms in underserved areas, VFM will enhance network resources and reach in order to increase awareness, purchase, and consumption of locally grown FV among virginia snap participants. This project will expand the VFM network to over 160 community food outlets, build income for local farmers, and serve additional snap households in low access areas.to adapt, expand and sustain the network, VFM will take a systems approach to address the complex problems of food insecurity, food access and affordability. To connect consumers and producers, VFM will collaborate with diverse regional food system partners, state agencies, and community food outlets across the state to enhance NI use in virginia.