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Along with our partners, LEAP works to make sure healthy food is accessible and
affordable for everyone. See below to learn how LEAP is helping grow healthy communities.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a USDA program (formerly known as food stamps) that provides assistance to low-income families and individuals. 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, farm stands, and community retail outlets that offer double the value of SNAP at their venues as a way to make healthy food more affordable for all. Click to learn more about the network and to find participating outlets. https://vfm.leapforlocalfood.org/
Click to learn more
Just as SNAP recipients can double the value of their purchases, Medicaid & WIC members can also buy twice as many vegetables and fruits at LEAP's Grandin Village Farmers Market, West End Farmers Market, and at all LEAP Mobile Market stops.
Click to learn moreThere are times when federal aid doesn't reach every person lacking healthy, fresh food. Market Bucks allow LEAP to support those in need through donations and community agencies. 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!
