Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) Redemptions Remain Strong Despite the End of Emergency SNAP Allotments

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the redemption rates of Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nutrition incentives in 2023, despite reduced benefits due to the cessation of emergency SNAP allotments.

Use of Theory or Research

During the pandemic, SNAP benefits were temporarily increased but these were terminated in March of 2023. Little is known about SNAP nutrition incentive program redemption rates following the reduction in SNAP benefits. Target Audience: The target audiences of this process evaluation were Virginian SNAP recipients shopping with VFM nutrition incentives and over 120 partner outlets offering VFM at their local markets (farmer's markets and small format retail stores).

Program Description

Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) is a network of farmers markets and community food outlets that offer nutrition incentives to double the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for fruits and vegetables. With VFM, SNAP recipients can afford more fruits and vegetables, local farmers earn more income, and more dollars stay in the local economy.

Evaluation Methods

Smartsheet was used to track outlet participation and SNAP incentive redemptions. Participating outlets completed a monthly report to provide SNAP sales and VFM redemption data with supporting documentation. The economic impact of VFM was calculated using the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center's economic impact calculator.

Results

SNAP use remained stable at VFM outlets between 2022 ($5.5M) and 2023 ($5.3M). There was a 30% increase in VFM incentive redemptions between 2021 ($633,000) and 2022 ($822,000). In 2023 the rate of redemption stabilized ($812,000) and decreased less than 1% despite the steep cuts in SNAP benefits across the state. VFM's total economic impact in 2023 was $1.3M.

Conclusions

Stability is the key to VFM's impact and the program remained resilient despite the reduction in SNAP benefits. VFM customers continued to stretch their limited food budgets through participation in nutrition incentive programming, further impacting local community retail stores and farmer's markets.

Funding

NIFA, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services