This May, we’re celebrating CalFresh Awareness Month by highlighting all the ways CalFresh Makes it easier to eat fresh, local food from your neighborhood farmers market. Whether you’re a longtime shopper or new to the markets, this is the perfect time to learn how your CalFresh dollars go further with the Market Match program and to connect with the incredible resources and partners supporting our local food system.
Here’s What’s Happening this Month:
CalFresh Enrollment Assistance at the Markets
Need help signing up for CalFresh or have questions about your EBT card? You’re in luck! CalFresh representatives will be at select farmers markets throughout May to assist with application support, account questions, and benefit guidance. Stop by and chat one-on-one with someone who can walk you through it.
Market Match = More Fresh Food
If you use CalFresh, you can get additional benefits at participating farmers markets through the Market Match program. It’s an easy and impactful way to stretch your food budget and eat healthier. Just bring your CalFresh/EBT card to the farmers market manager’s booth. The market manager or staff will run your EBT card for the amount you’d like to use at the market. Then, you can get a dollar-for-dollar match, up to a daily maximum, in Market Match vouchers to use for fresh fruits and vegetables at the market.
Partnering with NAMI: Mental Health & Food Access
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re teaming up with NAMI Sonoma County (National Alliance on Mental Illness), who will be tabling at several markets this May. They’ll be sharing information on community mental health resources, peer support programs, and ways that food access and mental well-being go hand in hand.
See Us Out in the Community
We’re bringing CalFresh awareness into the broader community, too! Catch us at Futures Fest in Petaluma on Sunday, May 4th, an all-ages celebration of local resources, youth creativity, and social connection. We’ll be spreading the word about how CalFresh works at farmers markets and helping people find their nearest participating location.
Follow Us!
We’re running a month-long social media campaign packed with helpful info, visuals, and real stories about how CalFresh helps individuals and families eat better and support local farms. Follow us @ourfarmersmarkets on Instagram and Farmers’ Market LIFE on Facebook to stay in the loop for the when and where for all these exciting events and help us spread the word!