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, arecent studyof "Food Deserts" indicates about 18% of Virginia doesn't have access to fresh, healthy food.