As the federal shutdown continues to create chaos and insecurity across the nation, California’s farmers’ markets remain a steady source of healthy food and community connection. Even while many government services grind to a halt, shoppers can still use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh/EBT) benefits at farmers’ markets. Because states receive these benefits in advance, they will continue to be paid out to recipients at least through October.
That means Californians who rely on CalFresh can continue to turn to their neighborhood farmers’ market for fresh, nutritious food, and support the family farmers who grow it.
“Farmers’ markets are essential services, and they are here to support farmers and shoppers in times of societal breakdown and distress,” said Martin Bourque, Executive Director of the Ecology Center, which runs the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets. “Just like during the pandemic, we are here to help people get through tough times while offering the freshest produce from leading family farmers who deeply care for the land. The current shutdown demonstrates why this program needs ongoing state funding and should be available at every Farmers’ Market.”
How Market Match Works
Since 2003, most certified farmers’ markets in California have accepted CalFresh. Shoppers swipe their EBT cards at a central booth and receive tokens or coupons to spend directly with farmers and vendors.
In 2015, the Ecology Center launched Market Match, which doubles CalFresh dollars at participating farmers’ markets. Backed by both state and federal funding, Market Match has helped hundreds of thousands of Californians bring home more fresh fruits and vegetables, while boosting sales for small, family-owned farmers.
The California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) was refunded last year with $35,000,000 of state funding, refunding Market Match through 2026. The federal GusNIP program has historically matched state funding, but did not release its funds this year.
“Despite a Federal shutdown, California needs to ensure essential food resources are available for the thousands of Californians who rely on CalFresh and Market Match for fresh, healthy food at certified farmers’ markets,” said Assemblymember Damon Connolly. “Market Match helps to nourish our most vulnerable populations while providing economic stimulus to our small-scale farmers who play a crucial role in our state’s agricultural landscape.”
Voices from the Farm and Table
For farmers and shoppers, Market Match is more than a program; it’s a lifeline.
Maria Gonzalez and Rudy Jimenez, farmers from San Juan Bautista, shared:
“As farmers, we believe that the Market Match program plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and supporting local agriculture. It has not only helped us reach more customers but also enabled our community to access fresh produce directly from local farmers, even on a limited budget.”
For Davis farmer Paul-Zen Lee, the program is critical to staying afloat:
“Being a specialty produce farmer, we see a majority of our sales income specifically from EBT, and two-thirds of those EBT users also use the Market Match. The Market Match program helps small farmers to compete with bigger supermarkets. If the market were to lose the program, we would lose almost half of our income.”
And for San Leandro parent Iveliz Rodriguez, Market Match makes a tangible difference at home:
“I have a 5-year-old daughter with autism. She is very picky, and this program has allowed me to buy things and explore new veggies and fruits with her. She has tried so many new things just because of Market Match, and I’m very thankful! Market Match helps me have more money to last through the month. I really depend on it.”
Even if federal SNAP benefits run out during the shutdown, Californians can still spend remaining CalFresh and Market Match dollars at participating farmers’ markets. Tokens and coupons can also be saved for future use, providing flexibility in uncertain times.
Nearly 300 markets across the state participate in Market Match, each one strengthening local economies while ensuring that families, farmers, and communities thrive.
You can find a participating farmers’ market near you with the Farmers’ Market Finder (FMFinder).
