Save Market Match coalition group picture with Assemblymember Damon Connolly
The fight to save Market Match continues! The Ecology Center joined the Agricultural Institute of Marin, alongside other members of the 160 member Save Market Match Coalition, to organize a Lobby Day on March 20, 2024. The event drew 100 people, including elected officials, to a rally on the state capitol’s West lawn in Sacramento. Organizers also scheduled 14 in-person meetings with legislators including legislative budget leaders to educate them on the importance of Market Match — a vital food safety net program.
The Save Market Match Coalition rallied to implore California state budget leaders to safeguard funding for the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) which funds Market Match and opposed the Governor’s proposal to cut funding for the program.
Elected officials, including Assembly Members Damon Connelly and Kevin McCarty joined the rally to deliver lively speeches at the event.
Calfresh shoppers, farmers, and farmer’s market managers also attended the event to help protect the 15-year-old program. Market Match not only reduces nutrition insecurity but also bolsters California farmers and rural communities.
Market Match offers CalFresh EBT cardholders extra money– a $1 for $1 match up to a daily maximum, for California-grown fruits and vegetables when they shop at any of the 294 participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and CSAs across the state. Click here to see a 2023 statewide impact report. To find a certified farmers’ market offering Market Match visit our Farmers’ Market Finder!
