CalFresh Increases Access to Farmers Markets
Access to the freshest, most nutritious fruits and vegetables just got a little easier for San Diego County families on CalFresh, the program formerly known as food stamps.
The number of farmers markets in the County accepting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards has more than doubled – there are 11 locations where you can use your CalFresh benefits to buy fresh produce.
“It’s always our goal to help as many eligible families as possible access CalFresh benefits and have nutritious, healthy food choices,” said Dale Fleming, who oversees CalFresh for the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).
“As part of HHSA’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative, we have worked very hard with the San Diego Farm Bureau and the managers of the individual farmers markets to increase the number of places families can purchase the freshest produce with their CalFresh benefits.”
EBT cards are now accepted at farmers markets in Imperial Beach, Point Loma, Escondido (Welk Certified), City Heights, Golden Hill, Linda Vista, Mission Hills, Southeast San Diego, Westfield UTC mall, Santee and Cal State San Marcos (opens June 3).
Farmers Markets are certified by the County Agricultural Commissioner, ensuring that the produce is being sold by the grower, is grown in California and meets all California quality standards. These criteria ensure that you receive the freshest produce.
CalFresh is a federal supplemental nutrition program for low-income families and individuals who meet certain income guidelines. The program is intended to supplement a family’s food budget.
For a complete list of the 48 farmers markets in San Diego County, please click here.
For information on the CalFresh program, please click here or call 2-1-1 San Diego.