Headed by Elizabeth Borst, the VCFC has operated for more than 10 years and has grown to include six markets in the Fredericksburg area and one in Prince William County.
Those who receive SNAP benefits—formerly called food stamps—use their cards to get a dollar in free fruits or vegetables for each one spent on fresh food, up to a $40 match.
The VCFC operates in seven area farmers’ markets: one each in Fredericksburg, King George County and Dale City in Prince William County; and two markets each in Caroline and Spotsylvania counties.
In 2020, when people lost their jobs from COVID-19 shutdowns and found themselves in line for food for the first time, more took advantage of the food incentives the VCFC offers, Borst said.
By comparison, sales grew by about 20 percent in 2019, Borst said.
More than 36,000 pounds of fresh produce was delivered through the various agencies that partner with VCFC, and more than 1,200 households in the community had nutritious food on the table.
As the pandemic has increased the number of people facing food insecurity, there’s been a renewed communitywide effort to address the need.