FRESHFARM Launches Emergency SNAP Response Plan and Support for Federal Workers Amid Government Shutdown

FRESHFARM is launching an emergency response effort as the federal government shutdown threatens access to critical nutrition assistance programs.

A core tenet of the FRESHFARM mission is to ensure that our local food system remains strong and resilient in the face of any challenges. In our area’s time of need, FRESHFARM has doubled down on this mission to ensure continued food access for thousands of families in the Washington metropolitan region. In response to the expected freeze of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, starting Saturday, November 1, FRESHFARM will offer all SNAP participants $30 in FreshMatch at FRESHFARM markets in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and DC partner markets. Customers are eligible to receive this regardless of whether they are able to access funds on their EBT cards. FreshMatch dollars can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

In an effort to support furloughed and unpaid federal workers, FRESHFARM will also extend $30 in FreshMatch to any federal employee who presents a valid government ID at the market. FRESHFARM is additionally covering the full cost of Market Share subscriptions for SNAP customers throughout November, helping vulnerable families access weekly bundles of fresh produce sourced from local farms.

“These emergency benefits are possible thanks to the generosity of our philanthropic partners and individual donors,” said FRESHFARM’s Executive Director, Cat Oakar. “As the shutdown stretches on and food security becomes more fragile, we’re committed to showing up for the families and farmers who depend on us and the federal employees whose work strengthens the very communities we serve.”

FRESHFARM runs the largest portfolio of farmers market nutrition incentive programs in the Mid-Atlantic, including the FreshMatch program, which doubles federal nutrition benefits dollar-for-dollar at markets and farm stands.

With more than 200 regional farmers and food producers relying on FRESHFARM markets as economic outlets, the ripple effects that federal nutrition cuts can have on local agriculture are clear. FRESHFARM’s emergency response underscores the vital role of regional food systems in moments of crisis. FRESHFARM encourages community members, partners, and policymakers to join in protecting access to fresh, local food for all.