Foodwise > Markets > Food Access: CalFresh EBT and More

Food Access: CalFresh EBT and More

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. We’re investing in food access programs that make farmers markets inclusive and affordable for all. Learn about using CalFresh EBT, Market Match, Fresh Approach VeggieRx, Eat SF Vouchers 4 Veggies, and WIC & FMNP at Foodwise farmers markets.

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

The current Market Match maximum at Foodwise farmers markets is $15.

Use your CalFresh EBT benefits to purchase fresh food at Foodwise’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday) and Mission Community Market (Thursday) in San Francisco. CalFresh 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 $15 per market day) through our Market Match program, which offers free market coins redeemable for fruits and vegetables only.

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, and 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.

CalFresh EBT shoppers can double their benefits through the Market Match program (up to a set maximum per market day). Market Match tokens redeemable in the market for fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more.

  • Red CalFresh EBT coins can be used to purchase anything at the market except for ready to eat hot food, alcohol, or flowers (no change given).
  • Green Market Match coins can only be used to purchase fruits and vegetables (no change given).
  • Blue Foodwise market coins can be used to purchase anything at the market (change given).

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

Vouchers Accepted at Foodwise Farmers Markets

You can also use the following vouchers to purchase fresh, local food at Foodwise farmers markets:

VeggieRx vouchers from Fresh Approach can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at any farm stand at the Foodwise markets. No hot food, beverages or flowers can be purchased with these coupons and no change will be given.

Veggies 4 Vouchers from Eat SF can be used directly at Foodwise farmers market booths. No change is given on vouchers.

  • Green ($5) and Purple ($10) vouchers can be use to purchase fresh fruits and produce only; no juice of canned items.
  • Orange vouchers are also currently being accepted for all items (including hot food); no alcohol or sugary beverages.

Learn more or visit the Foodwise Info Booth if you have any questions.

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

If a farmer or vendor doesn’t recognize or accept vouchers or coins as payment, please check in with our market managers at the Foodwise Info Booth so we can assist you. Sometimes sellers send new staff to markets who have not yet learned about the various types of vouchers coins that can be used by shoppers. Our market managers are happy to come to the farm or vendor stall with you to help explain what payments can and cannot be accepted. Thank you for supporting local farmers!