Making Fresh Affordable

Market Match Helps CalFresh Recipients Stretch
Food Dollars at Farmers’ Markets

Beginning May 2012, thirteen farmers’ markets in Sacramento and Yolo counties will launch the 2012 Market Match program, giving thousands of CalFresh recipients increased buying power to purchase fresh fruits & vegetables from local farmers.

CalFresh provides eligible families with benefits to purchase food and food-bearing plants by using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Market Match offers CalFresh recipients an even greater opportunity to use their benefits for fresh produce. For every $10 someone spends with their CalFresh benefits at participating farmers’ markets, they will receive an additional $5 that can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts. (Some limits apply, varying by market location.)

Market Match will be available from May through September 2012 (or until all funds are expended). The Market Match incentive is being administered in Sacramento and Yolo Counties by Alchemist CDC (in partnership with Roots of Change and local farmers’ markets) with funds from the CA Department of Agriculture. [With the exception of the Oak Park Farmers’ Market, which is offering a 100% ($1 for $1) match with funding from Rabobank].

Click here for a list of participating farmers’ markets.

This year Alchemist’s annual fundraising event will be Wednesday, July 18th from 6:30-9:00pm. Join us for live music, great food samplings from numerous Sacramento area restaurants, fine wine and great company. Check back here or sign up to receive our email announcements (using the form to the lower right) for more details soon to come.

You’re invited to join us at the second annual Bryte & Broderick Community Kick-Off event featuring a soccer tournament (Co-ed Adult and Youth), fun family activities, and opportunities to learn about services offered in West Sacramento. All proceeds benefit projects serving the Bryte & Broderick neighborhoods of West Sacramento, including the Urban Farm Stand project and garden installations at schools and residences. Click here to download the  event flyer. Or download a youth invitation, adult invitation, and registration form if you’d like to compete in the soccer tournament.

Watch a video from last year’s BBCKO!

CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) recipients can now use their benefits to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at several local farmers’ markets. Alchemist Community Development Corporation is operating CalFresh payment processing at five Sacramento area Farmers’ Markets utilizing a scrip system. The CalFresh program offers qualifying lower income individuals financial assistance in purchasing food for themselves and their families. Click here for a list of farmers’ markets in Sacramento and Yolo Counties that accept CalFresh payments.