Food Access: CalFresh EBT and More
At Foodwise, we believe that fresh, local food is a right, not a privilege. We’re investing in food access programs that make farmers markets inclusive and affordable for all. Learn about using CalFresh EBT, Market Match, Fresh Approach VeggieRx, Eat SF Vouchers 4 Veggies, and WIC & FMNP at Foodwise farmers markets.
Use Your CalFresh EBT Benefits at Foodwise Farmers Markets—and Double Them with Market Match
The current Market Match maximum at Foodwise farmers markets is $15.
Use your CalFresh EBT benefits to purchase fresh food at Foodwise’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday) and Mission Community Market (Thursday) in San Francisco. CalFresh makes farm-fresh, locally grown foods more affordable for thousands of Californians, while directly supporting small family farms.
It’s easy! During market hours, swipe your EBT card at the Foodwise Info Booth to receive market coins to spend in the farmers market. EBT shoppers can double their food dollars (up to $15 per market day) through our Market Match program, which offers free market coins redeemable for fruits and vegetables only.
What is CalFresh (also known as SNAP, EBT, or food stamps)?
CalFresh is California’s implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. SNAP is a vital federal food security program that helps millions of Americans access nutritious food. Nationwide, 38 million Americans received nutrition assistance through the SNAP program in 2019.
CalFresh benefits are issued monthly on an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, which works similar to a debit card at participating farmers markets, retail food outlets, and grocery stores.
Who is eligible for CalFresh? How do I apply?
CalFresh serves individuals and families with low incomes, especially seniors, disabled people, and households with children. People who are employed or unemployed, homeless individuals, students, SSI recipients, and immigrants can also be eligible. Learn more about eligibility and income guidelines, and apply online in 10 minutes at GetCalFresh.org.
What can CalFresh benefits be used to buy?
CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items like fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, dairy products, rice, bread, nuts, and other staples, as well as seeds to grow your own food. Benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, non-food and household items, or most hot or prepared food items.
How do I use CalFresh at the farmers market?
Redeem your CalFresh benefits by visiting the farmers market info booth. Let the market staff know how many benefits you want to redeem, swipe your EBT card, and receive market coins to use at individual farmers market stands. CalFresh coins can be used to purchase any food product except hot foods or food made for immediate consumption.
How do I double my CalFresh benefits with Market Match?
CalFresh EBT shoppers can double their benefits through the Market Match program (up to a set maximum per market day). Market Match tokens redeemable in the market for fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more.
Where can I find Foodwise farmers markets?
Visit us at our four weekly farmers markets in San Francisco:
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (Embarcadero and Market Streets): Saturday (8am-2pm), and Tuesday and Thursday (10am-2pm), year round
- Mission Community Market (22nd and Bartlett Streets): Thursday (3-7pm), March through November
Vouchers Accepted at Foodwise Farmers Markets
You can also use the following vouchers to purchase fresh, local food at Foodwise farmers markets:
VeggieRx (Fresh Approach)
VeggieRx vouchers from Fresh Approach can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at any farm stand at the Foodwise markets. No hot food, beverages or flowers can be purchased with these coupons and no change will be given.
Vouchers 4 Veggies (Eat SF)
Veggies 4 Vouchers from Eat SF can be used directly at Foodwise farmers market booths. Green and Purple vouchers can be use to purchase fresh fruits and produce only. Orange vouchers are also currently being accepted for all items, including hot food. Learn more or visit the Foodwise Info Booth if you have any questions.
WIC & FMNP
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FNMP) vouchers must be redeemed directly at participating sellers’ stalls.
If a farmer or vendor doesn’t recognize or accept vouchers or coins as payment, please check in with our market managers at the Foodwise Info Booth so we can assist you. Sometimes sellers send new staff to markets who have not yet learned about the various types of vouchers coins that can be used by shoppers. Our market managers are happy to come to the farm or vendor stall with you to help explain what payments can and cannot be accepted. Thank you for supporting local farmers!