Foodwise > Markets > Food Access (CalFresh, EBT, SNAP)

Food Access (CalFresh, EBT, SNAP)

Young woman with a child using CalFresh EBT tokens to purchase produce at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

At Foodwise, we believe that fresh, local food is a right, not a privilege. Through programs like CalFresh EBT and Market Match, we’re investing in food access programs that make farmers markets inclusive and affordable for all.

Use Your CalFresh EBT Benefits at Foodwise Farmers Markets—and Double Them with Market Match!

As of February 1, 2023, the Market Match maximum is $10 per market day at Foodwise farmers markets.

You can use your CalFresh EBT benefits to purchase fresh food at Foodwise’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and Mission Community Market. CalFresh (also known as SNAP or food stamps) makes farm-fresh, locally grown foods more affordable for thousands of Californians, while directly supporting small family farms.

It’s easy! During market hours, swipe your EBT card at the Foodwise Info Booth to receive market coins to spend in the farmers market. EBT shoppers can double their food dollars (up to $10 per market day) through our Market Match program, which offers free market coins redeemable for fruits and vegetables only.

Learn more about Market Match

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about CalFresh EBT and Market Match.

CalFresh is California’s implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. SNAP is a vital federal food security program that helps millions of Americans access nutritious food. Nationwide, 38 million Americans received nutrition assistance through the SNAP program in 2019.

CalFresh benefits are issued monthly on an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, which works similar to a debit card at participating farmers markets, retail food outlets, and grocery stores.

CalFresh serves individuals and families with low incomes, especially seniors, disabled people, and households with children. People who are employed or unemployed, homeless individuals, students, SSI recipients, and immigrants can also be eligible. Learn more about eligibility and income guidelines at mycalfresh.org.

You can apply online in 10 minutes at GetCalFresh.org.

CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items like fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, dairy products, rice, bread, nuts, and other staples, as well as seeds to grow your own food. Benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, non-food and household items, or most hot or prepared food items.

Redeem your CalFresh benefits by visiting the farmers market info booth. Let the market staff know how many benefits you want to redeem, swipe your EBT card, and receive market coins to use at individual farmers market stands. CalFresh coins can be used to purchase any food product except hot foods or food made for immediate consumption.

Market Match is a nutrition incentive program offered at 130 farmers markets across the state, including Foodwise farmers markets. At participating markets, CalFresh shoppers can double their food dollars, receiving additional market coins for free to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Here’s how it works: When you withdraw your benefits at the Foodwise Info Booth in exchange for CalFresh tokens, you can receive an equal amount in Market Match tokens for free, up to $10 per person per day. Market Match tokens are good for fruits and vegetables only. So for your $10 in CalFresh benefits, you now have $30 to spend on healthy food at the farmers market.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers must be redeemed directly at participating sellers’ stalls.

Visit us at our four weekly farmers markets in San Francisco:

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