Putney farmers discuss Crop Cash Plus program impact on SNAP sales

In a recent Senate Agriculture meeting held in Vermont, discussions centered around the impact of various agricultural support programs, particularly the Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus initiatives. These programs aim to enhance food access for low-income residents while supporting local farmers.

Justin, a representative from a local farm in Putney, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers due to shifts in consumer purchasing patterns. He noted that while their sales have generally increased over the years, this season saw a significant drop in sales of chicken products and eggs, primarily because low-income customers were only able to purchase microgreens. This confusion led to missed sales opportunities, emphasizing the need for clearer communication regarding available products.

The Crop Cash program, which is primarily federally funded, provides additional coupons to SNAP customers when they spend their benefits at farmers markets. For every dollar spent, customers receive an extra dollar to spend on produce. The recently piloted Crop Cash Plus program added a state-funded layer, allowing customers to receive an additional dollar for every dollar spent, effectively doubling their purchasing power for a wider range of food items.

The meeting underscored the importance of these programs in supporting both consumers and local agriculture. The Crop Cash Plus initiative, funded through a one-time state allocation, has proven beneficial, with reports indicating that some vendors experienced up to 30% of their sales coming from Crop Cash Plus customers.

As the meeting concluded, there was a clear recognition of the need for ongoing support and refinement of these programs to ensure they effectively meet the needs of both farmers and low-income families. The discussions highlighted the critical role of state and federal collaboration in enhancing food security and supporting local economies. Moving forward, stakeholders will need to address the challenges identified and continue to promote awareness of these valuable resources.