LA PRODUCES procured over 2 million dollars from Los Angeles County for programs like Market Match. 

"Bringing the voice of the people who are directly affected by the conversation about hunger and nutrition."

What is LA Produces?

LA Produces is a coalition that originally included Hunger Action LA, Food Access LA, the American Heart Association, the California Association of Boys and Girls Clubs, United Parents and Students, the L.A. Food Policy Council, the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College, and thousands of community supporters. One of the best ways to provide healthy food to low-income families is through programs known as SNAP Incentives. We are actively informing our county, state, and federal officials about these programs and advocating for increased investment in them!

What are SNAP Incentive Programs?

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is known as CalFresh in California. It provides monthly benefits, loaded onto a plastic debit card, for individuals who qualify to purchase food. In California, nearly two million participants are enrolled in CalFresh, and recent changes have made it easier for more seniors and people with disabilities to apply. However, CalFresh benefits often fall short when it comes to affording the healthy foods we need, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables.

To address this issue, SNAP Incentive programs offer participants additional benefits when they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, allowing them to afford more of these nutritious options and improve their diets. The most recognized SNAP Incentives program is Market Match, which is available at nearly 300 farmers markets throughout California, including over 40 markets managed by Hunger Action LA and Food Access LA.

One significant advantage of Market Match is that it not only helps individuals afford fresh fruits and vegetables but also supports local farmers, contributing to their success. This support is particularly important given the ongoing supply chain issues affecting food imported from other states or countries. 

How has Los Angeles County responded? 

Los Angeles County has approved $2.1 million for SNAP incentive programs for the years 2022-2024, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the federal government. 

We look forward to a campaign aimed at making these essential benefits a permanent line item in the county budget.