NOFA Vermont seeks $500,000 to sustain Crop Cash programs that boost farmers and SNAP recipients
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Summary
NOFA Vermont urged the committee to continue state support for Crop Cash, Crop Cash Plus and FarmShare programs, asking for $500,000 in ongoing funding to keep incentives flowing to farmers and improve low-income consumers’ access to local markets after the November SNAP disruptions.
Joanna Doran, local food access director at NOFA Vermont, told the Senate Committee on Government Operations that state-funded incentives such as Crop Cash Plus and FarmShare are essential to channel SNAP dollars to local farmers and to stabilize markets when federal benefits are uncertain.
Doran described Crop Cash as a federal program that doubles SNAP spending on fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and explained that 'Crop Cash Plus,' restored by a Vermont appropriation in FY26, broadened that support to include eggs, meat, dairy and bread. She requested $500,000 in ongoing state funding for Crop Cash, Crop Cash Plus and FarmShare in FY27 so the state can match or leverage federal grants and maintain market-based supports for producers.
Doran said the programs helped cushion farmers during the November SNAP pause by keeping customers engaged and noted some vendors derive a significant share of income from market incentive programs. "When the state invests in food security, we can be more nimble on the ground," she said.
Committee members asked about the return on investment; testimony cited an estimate that for each SNAP dollar spent, about $1.60 returns to the local economy. Doran said Crop Cash and related programs are grant-funded and require local matching or state support to sustain long-term operations.
No committee action was taken on the request during the hearing.
