Farming in an Age of Climate Disaster: Interview with Bernie of Pomo Tierra Orchard

Farming in an Age of Climate Disaster: Interview with Bernie of Pomo Tierra Orchard
As we fight to “Keep it in the Ground” and end the production of fossil fuels and plastics that cause the climate crisis, we also know that climate change will impact farmers and our future food supplies. What are small farmers thinking about this present and future? We asked Bernie of Pomo Tierra Ranch who… Read more »

Stories from Field to Fork: Meet Farmer Paul Lee of Kay Lee Farms, a Market Match vendor

Stories from Field to Fork: Meet Farmer Paul Lee of Kay Lee Farms, a Market Match vendor
Kay Lee Farm is a 70 acre family farm in Fresno, CA. Operated by farmer Paul Lee and started in 1980 by Paul’s parents who emigrated from Laos, the farm continues to employ four family members alongside hired staff. Kay Lee Farm started out selling Asian leafy green produce to wholesale brokers, but the farm… Read more »

Why does Market Match invest in Small Farmers and Farmers’ Markets? Interview with Efren Avalos, owner of Avalos Farm

Why does Market Match invest in Small Farmers and Farmers' Markets? Interview with Efren Avalos, owner of Avalos Farm
Market Match provides extra money to CalFresh recipients to afford fresh fruits and vegetables across the state at over 290 sites to make fresh and nutrient dense food more affordable. But why does Market Match prioritize produce grown by California small farmers instead of just any large-scale industrial farm? It’s because we know we need… Read more »

Big Victory for Market Match, but the Fight Isn’t Over!

Big Victory for Market Match, but the Fight Isn’t Over!
We’re excited to share some great news! Last week, advocates of the Ecology Center-led Market Match program celebrated a significant victory. After months of hard work opposing Governor Newsom’s proposed funding cuts to the program informing legislators about its benefits, the California Legislature announced a plan to protect the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) in… Read more »

Ecology Center’s food justice work in the East Bay: Launch of first grocery store location for Market Match in West Oakland

Ecology Center's food justice work in the East Bay: Launch of first grocery store location for Market Match in West Oakland
Ecology Center is proud to announce our recent partnership and the start of Market Match at our first grocery store location in 2023 – Mandela Grocery Co-op in West Oakland! This means that all CA-grown produce is 50% off for shoppers spending their CalFresh EBT benefits. Market Match is a statewide program that is funded… Read more »