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Along with our partners, LEAP works to make fruits and vegetables available to everyone.
Learn how LEAP is helping grow healthy communities.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program (formerly known as food stamps) that provides assistance to families and individuals with low incomes. All LEAP markets accept SNAP benefits. Thanks to funding and support from Virginia Fresh Match, LEAP markets also double SNAP benefits.
Click to learn moreRoanoke Food ResourcesVirginia Fresh Match is a statewide network of farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, and community retail outlets that offer double the value of SNAP at their venues as a way to make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable. Click to learn more about the network and to find participating outlets.
Click to learn moreJust as SNAP recipients can double the value of their food dollars, individuals and families who receive Medicaid and WIC can also receive free vegetables and fruits with their purchases at LEAP's Grandin Village Farmers Market, West End Farmers Market, Farm Share, Online Marketplace, and at all LEAP Mobile Market stops.
Click to learn moreThere are times when federal aid doesn't reach every person lacking access to fresh food. Market Bucks allow LEAP to nourish more people in our community through partner organizations. To afford this support, we seek out grants, sponsorships, and individual donations. Click to learn more about how LEAP is strengthening our community's nutritional safety net.
In addition to operating our LEAP markets, we work Virginia Fresh Match to support markets in the Blue Ridge region of Virginia and the growth of our regional food system. In 2015, we were awarded a grant from the USDA Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Program through Wholesome Wave, a Connecticut-based nonprofit. The FINI grant supports matching funds to SNAP-EBT (food stamp) purchases at farmers markets in Virginia. Matching funds or “incentives” help SNAP participants stretch their limited food budget by matching SNAP purchases. In other words, for every $1 spent on an EBT card, participating markets will match $1 in tokens that can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables.
Markets that accept and double SNAP in the Blue Ridge region include:
Grandin Village Farmers Market (LEAP)
West End Farmers Market (LEAP)
LEAP Mobile Market
Historic Roanoke City Market
Salem Farmers Market
Vinton Farmers Market
Catawba Valley Farmers Market
Bedford Farmers Market
Forest Farmers Market
Lynchburg Farmers Market
Blacksburg Farmers Market
Christiansburg Farmers Market and
Floyd Farmers Market
Make sure you check out all of the amazing markets in Virginia’s Blue Ridge!