Eating healthy is easier when you have access to fresh, affordable choices.
Watch a video on how Market Match works. 中文 | Español | Việt
You can use our Farmers’ Market Finder map to search for farmers’ markets and farm-direct outlets near you that accept CalFresh EBT and offer Market Match.
Go to the market’s information booth and ask how to receive Market Match. A market staff person will swipe your CalFresh EBT card for the amount of your choice and you will receive tokens or paper vouchers to spend on any CalFresh-eligible food items at the market. At other farm-direct outlets such as farm stands, CSAs, and mobile markets, you can make a CalFresh purchase just as you would at the grocery store, without tokens or vouchers. Simply choose the items you would like to purchase, go to the checkout, and swipe your CalFresh EBT card. Don’t have a CalFresh EBT card? Find eligibility information and the online application at getcalfresh.org.
The market staff person will match your CalFresh benefits, providing you with Market Match tokens or vouchers to spend on fruits and vegetables. At other farm-direct outlets, Market Match is usually offered as a 50% discount instead of as tokens/vouchers.
Spend the Market Match tokens or vouchers with any farmer in the market that sells fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, or edible plant starts.
Why should I shop at the farmers’ market?
When you shop at a certified farmers’ market, you’re buying directly from the farm that grew the food. This means more of your money goes straight to farmers, helping them sustain their livelihoods. It also supports the local economy by keeping dollars circulating within the community. At the same time, you’re helping build a stronger, more resilient local food system.
All of the produce at a certified farmers’ market is grown in California and harvested when it is in-season, meaning that everything is fresh, full of flavor, and often priced comparably with a grocery store. Because the produce is generally not stored for as long as produce at a grocery store, it has higher nutritional value.
Food at farmers’ markets travels fewer miles than grocery store items, which helps reduce the overall carbon footprint. Many small and mid-sized farms also use sustainable farming practices like cover cropping and rotational grazing. Together, these efforts support a more sustainable and environmentally responsible food system.
It’s fun! It’s an enjoyable way to shop and connect with your local community!
