CalFresh Farmers’ Market Match Program Begins in June

May 28, 2019 – For the sixth year the Nevada County Department of Social Services (DSS) will partner with 211 Connecting Point to bring a Market Match Program to local Nevada County farmers’ markets.  This year’s the Market Match Program will be offered at three farmers’ markets, including a new location: Tuesdays at the Grass Valley Pine Creek Shopping Center near Raley’s (8:00 am – 12:00 pm), Thursdays in Grass Valley at the corner of South Auburn & Neal Street (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm), and Saturdays at the Nevada City Farmer’s Market in Union Alley in downtown Nevada City (8:30 am – 1:00 pm).

The goal of this program is to incentivize CalFresh recipients to utilize their CalFresh benefits at our local farmers’ markets to obtain seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.  This helps our local organic farmers and makes organic food available at a reduced cost to low income families and individuals.  To take advantage of this Market Match Program tokens are provided at the Farmer’s Market that allow amounts spent to be doubled allowing individuals to purchase additional produce.

In 2018 CalFresh customers were able to match over $12,000 of funds.  This in turn helped the local economy by bringing an additional $24,000 to our local farmers. Due to this success the program will continue with the same incentives as the previous year. When CalFresh recipients come to 211 Connecting Point’s booth at any of the three eligible farmers’ markets and show their EBT card and photo ID, their EBT tokens will be matched up to $10 at each and every market for the entire season while funding remains.

211 Connecting Point’s successful collaboration with Nevada County DSS over the past six years with this program has continued to increase the amount of EBT dollars being spent in our community at our local farmers markets.  Connecting Point also assists with CalFresh outreach at their market booth, providing information on the CalFresh program and how to apply.

Contact Nevada County DSS today to find out more about the CalFresh program, or apply online at www.C4yourself.com. Residents can also apply in person at one of Nevada County’s local offices located at 950 Maidu Avenue in Nevada City, or at Joseph’s Center at 10075 Levon, Suite 202 in Truckee. For questions regarding the CalFresh program, call Nevada County DSS at (530) 265-1340 in Nevada City, or (530) 582-7803 in Truckee.