The more than 90,000 Vermonters who receive 3SquaresVT food benefits can now spend them at many area farmers' markets, where they'll double their money with Harvest Health coupons toward the purchase of fresh food from local farmers.
As a bonus for shopping at the market, 3SquaresVT recipients will also be given fuchsia Harvest Health coupons to match their EBT purchases, up to $10 per market day.
According to the Northeastern Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), the program is a win for 3SquaresVT households, who are able to purchase more farm-fresh food, and local farmers, who can market their products to more Vermonters.
Forty-one Vermont farmers' markets accept EBT cards and participate in the Harvest Health Program, including those in Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Londonderry, Putney, and West Townshend.
NOFA-VT coordinates the Harvest Health coupon project with funding from the Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Vermont Legislature through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, along with Newman's Own Foundation and the Wholesome Wave Foundation.