Virginia Community Food Connections Becomes Farm to Neighbor

The renamed nonprofit aims to clarify its mission and expand fresh food access through its farmers market and pantry programs across the region.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Organic Food

Wooden crate of fresh tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens on a farm table in front of rolling green Virginia farmland. — Virginia Community Food Connections has renamed itself Farm to Neighbor, saying the new name will better reflect its work bringing fresh produce to residents across the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Virginia Community Food Connections has renamed itself Farm to Neighbor, announced as of Monday. The organization says its programs served 31,132 individuals last year and distributed $358,318 to 98 local farmers market vendors.

Why it matters

Staff said the former acronym was not recognized even by longtime partners, creating a fundraising and recognition problem. The organization hopes the new name will better communicate its mission and strengthen partnerships for fresh food access statewide.

Virginia Fresh Match gives SNAP recipients up to $30 in free fruits and vegetables at participating markets, and WIC families receive $15 in Veggie Vouchers. Last year the programs served 31,132 individuals and distributed $358,318 to 98 vendors, while Farm to Pantry supplied more than 30 pantries with 150,562 pounds of produce.

The players

Farm to Neighbor

Formerly Virginia Community Food Connections, a Fredericksburg-based nonprofit that connects local farms with SNAP and WIC recipients and food pantries.

George Washington Regional Commission

A regional planning body in Virginia that helped launch the organization's work in 2010.

The details

The organization, which has operated as a registered independent nonprofit since 2015 and began its work in 2010 under the George Washington Regional Commission, now runs Virginia Fresh Match at eight farmers markets from Caroline County north to Dale City. It also operates WIC Veggie Vouchers and Farm to Pantry, which coordinates local farms to supply fresh produce to food pantries, and plans to build a volunteer network to deliver that produce.

2010: Work began as part of the George Washington Regional Commission.
2015: The organization became a registered independent nonprofit.
Last year: Programs served 31,132 people and distributed $358,318 to vendors.
Monday: The organization officially adopted the name Farm to Neighbor.

Organic Food Landscape

The federal SNAP and WIC programs set the baseline for food assistance, and Farm to Neighbor's farmers market match extends those benefits toward locally grown produce. The organization's growth reflects a wider pattern of local food systems linking farms directly to low-income households.

Shoppers using SNAP or WIC benefits can stretch their budgets at participating Virginia farmers markets, with up to $30 in SNAP match and $15 in WIC Veggie Vouchers. Pantry clients in more than 30 locations may see more fresh produce as Farm to Pantry expands.

The takeaway

Local food programs can connect farmers and low-income households directly, and clearer names help organizations build the partnerships that keep them running. Residents who use SNAP or WIC can ask nearby farmers markets whether they participate in the match program.