Riverside County
NEWS RELEASE
Farmers Market Initiative Helps CalFresh Customers and Growers
Jurupa, CA- The Riverside County Department of Public Social Services kicked off the Farmers Market Initiative, giving better access to healthy foods for CalFresh customers.
Market managers, owners, and direct growers now have the opportunity to participate in state and federally funded programs that allow them to accept EBT/WIC free of any fees. Local farmers said they would benefit greatly from the increased number of shoppers that arrive as a result of the new incentive program being offered.
Guests at the kick off were given the opportunity to visit booth displays, experience food demonstrations on healthy eating, network with Farmers Market owners and growers and gather information on the Market Match program.
Currently there are 16 Farmers Market locations that accept Electronic Benefits Transfer, EBT. Consumers receive cards similar to a debit card that they use to access government aid. As part of the Farmers Market Initiative, managers may sign up for a free EBT machine with no fees and enroll to accept WIC checks. WIC is an acronym for the Women, Infants, and Children program, a federal assistance program for healthcare and nutrition of low-income pregnant women. The initiative will provide better access for EBT/WIC customers to Farmers Markets.
For more information contact the DPSS Community Outreach Branch: CommunityOutreachBranch@rivco.org
