There are now more than 240 farmers' markets statewide, an increase of about 180% since 2006.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says if every household in the state spends ten-bucks a week on locally-grown food, it would mean a $1.6 billion dollar investment back into the economy.
You can find a list of farmers' markets across Virginia here.
A growing number of farmers’ markets in the state are now set up to accept SNAP benefits—that’s the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—via the Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, card.
Still though, a recent study of "Food Deserts" indicates about 18% of Virginia doesn't have access to fresh, healthy food.
