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The well loved Market Match Program, led by the Ecology Center, which enables CalFresh shoppers to double their EBT food dollars for fruits and veggies at 270+ farmers’ markets (and other farm-direct sites), is at risk of losing funding.

That’s why the Ecology Center, Roots of Change, and a coalition of supporters are working to advocate and educate Gov. Newsom on the importance of this vital program.

Since 2009, Market Match has been made possible through the dedicated work of many stakeholders including farmers market managers, farmers, and funders across the state. Since 2015, the Market Match program has been largely funded through state and federal funding, allowing it to grow and meet more of the demand.

Last year, the program provided approximately 38 million servings of fruits and veggies to thousands of CalFresh shoppers. Between 2017 and today, CNIP Market Match has put more than $43 million into the hands of CalFresh shoppers to buy more fruits and vegetables.

But today, Market Match, which is funded by the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), through the California Department of Food & Agriculture, may not continue after 2024 unless it is funded in this year’s State budget.

The Governor’s May Revise of the 2023 State budget omitted funding for CNIP—and with less than 2 weeks left of legislative negotiations before the budget is finalized, time is running out to fund CNIP and continue Market Match beyond 2024.

Despite California’s significant projected budget shortfalls, continued funding for CNIP in the budget is an investment that will yield priceless returns in: Food security, diet-related illness, California’s local food system, small and mid-sized family farmers, and the economy. It also brings in significant federal funds from a matching federal grant program.

Assembly Member Phil Ting, Chair of the CA State Budget Committee, is a champion of CNIP Market Match. Ting and CA Assembly included $35 million for CNIP in the Assembly’s Version on the budget; a big win for the #FundCNIP campaign.

It is imperative that Gov. Newsom and Legislative budget leaders allocate funding for CNIP in the FY 2023-2024 budget in order for Market Match to continue after 2024.

We are asking constituents to call the Governor and key Senate leaders to urge them to include CNIP in the State budget. You can access more information about the campaign, including how to call, here.