VYCC operates a roadside farm stand in Richmond that is now one of three in Vermont to accept 3SquaresVT benefits and offer a 50% discount on vegetables to 3SquaresVT customers.

The farm stand, open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., is stocked with fresh produce, flowers, herbs, pasture-raised chickens, and eggs. Products are grown on site by youth and young adult Corps Members.

As of June 2020, VYCC accepts 3SquaresVT benefits on all eligible products. And, 3SquaresVT customers can receive a 50% discount on produce, thanks to NOFA-VT’s Farm Stand Match Program.

NOFA-VT’s program aims to support the efforts of 3SquaresVT customers to purchase more locally grown fresh produce while keeping federal food assistance dollars local and building stronger relationships between farmers and eaters.

“3SquaresVT is here for all of us when we need a little help buying food,” says Phil Morin, Food Security and Advocacy Manager at Hunger Free Vermont. “Having the option to use those benefits at the VYCC Farm Stand not only allows Vermonters to access fresh and local food, it also helps support the great work of VYCC.”

Hannah Franchimont (pictured left) is one of the four VYCC Corps Members who built VYCC’s charming roadside farm stand this spring, right before the pandemic hit. “I remember seeing the trailer platform and asking, ‘how is this going to end up being a farmstand?’ I had no idea how we were going to make this happen,” Hannah recalls. Jacob Mushlin, Yestermorrow Instructor, guided the crew through the project. Hannah loved the experience. “Every day we got a lot done and learned a lot from Jacob at the same time. We built a pretty cool looking structure in a week.”

Now, under the red roof Hannah picked out, the farm stand is filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, fresh herbs, and flowers. In the cooler and freezer attached to the outside, customers can find lettuce, Swiss chard, kale, beets, green beans, eggs, whole chickens, and soups.

The farm stand accepts accept cash, check, credit/debit, 3SquaresVT, and VYCC sells gift cards online (vycc.org) that can be redeemed at the stand.

To use 3SquaresVT benefits and receive the discount, please call (802) 310-2087 when you arrive and a team member will be happy to assist you.

Get the latest news on what is available at the farm stand on Instagram @thefarmatvycc.

Purchases at the VYCC farm stand directly support youth and young adults’ effort to increase food security for Vermont families through the Health Care Share project and to educate and empower local youth through farming.

3SquaresVT Information from Hunger Free Vermont:

Many people who haven’t used 3SquaresVT benefits in the past may now be eligible. If your financial situation has changed, and if you’re struggling to feed yourself or your family, you are not alone, and you should consider applying for 3SquaresVT.

3SquaresVT helps many Vermonters buy food for their households. These benefits are given to you each month on a card, which works just like a debit card. You can use your card at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, co-ops, and now some farm stands.

Looking to find out more about 3SquaresVT or get help with the application? Dial 2-1-1 or text ‘V F B S N A P’ to 855-11. If you are over 60, call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for personalized assistance.