A Fresh Boost for FreshMatch, Thanks to the Power of Community

Earlier this year, FRESHFARM had to make the difficult decision to reduce the cap of our FreshMatch program from $30 to $10 due to tightening federal funds. FreshMatch provides a dollar-for-dollar match on all federal benefits spent at the markets, such as SNAP/EBT (formerly known as Food Stamps) and WIC (nutrition support for mothers, babies, and children). FreshMatch helps shoppers take home more fresh and nutritious produce while creating and sustaining new revenue streams for local farmers and food producers. Due to the match reduction, families who rely on nutrition benefits were forced to make hard choices at the farmers markets, and farmers felt the squeeze, too, as many customers had less money to spend.

However, we have good news to share: as of this summer, FreshMatch is back up to $30 per day thanks to a generous gift from the Schattner Foundation. This is effective at all FRESHFARM markets and partner locations in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We’re encouraged and hope this news serves as a reminder that even in uncertain times, our community rises to the occasion.

FreshMatch has always been rooted in access and dignity while helping to stretch federal benefits like SNAP, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (nutrition support for individuals age 60 and older) so shoppers can choose the local fruits and vegetables they want. It’s a powerful program that creates a ripple effect of support for families and seniors, farmers’ livelihoods, and local economies.

As government funding becomes more unpredictable, programs like FreshMatch are increasingly relying on private foundations, community giving, and individual donors to stay afloat. The Schattner Foundation’s support means more families can access local produce, and our region’s farmers can count on consistent, meaningful sales. It also means that FRESHFARM can respond quickly to the needs of our community as the status of government programs becomes more tenuous.

“This funding allows us to continue serving the communities that rely on our markets,” says Nick Stavely, FRESHFARM’s Director of Food Access. “FreshMatch doesn’t just improve diets, it strengthens our entire food system.”

So far in 2025, shoppers using FreshMatch have spent over $330,000 in SNAP and matching funds at our markets, which directly benefits small-scale growers and food producers.

When customers shop local, it’s a win for our regional farmers, the local economy, and families who can put fresh, nutritious food on their tables. We’re proud to partner with organizations like the Schattner Foundation, which understands that access to healthy food is a community responsibility, especially in a time of shrinking public support. We’re grateful that they’re helping us sustain the vital link between local producers and vulnerable households that will help nourish everyone in our community.