We all need to eat more fruits and vegetables to be healthier and protect ourselves from diabetes, cancer, and obesity. But it’s hard to buy fresh produce when you don’t have enough money. Market Match provides free coupons to buy fruits and vegetables that make it easier for thousands of Southern Californians to eat healthier. Through this program, people who receive CalFresh (food stamps) can receive up to $20 in coupons per participating farmer’s markets. Coupons can only be used on fruits, vegetables and some nuts from certified growers. By doing this, we aim to:
1
End Hunger and Promote Health: improve low-income peoples’ diets by enabling them to purchase healthier food they may not be able to afford.
2
Boost the Economy and Protect the Environment: increase the amount of public benefit money that is earned by local California farmers growing fruits and vegetables, in the interest of promoting small, local agriculture using sustainable methods.
So far, Market Match has stimulated increased spending of public benefits (CalFresh) on healthier food. During the pandemic, the programs' use increased by 50% in some areas. Current food price inflation has also brought more families into the program.
More on Market Match History and GoalsHow do I use market match?
Step 1
Step 2
Find a participating market near you.
Find my market!Step 3
Go to your market and get your vouchers at the help desk. Make sure you have your Calfresh card!
You must spend at least $20 of your own CalFresh to get $20 worth of Market Match vouchers. If you spend less than $20 of food stamps, you will receive a match in free vouchers.
Examples
If I spend $20 of food stamps, I receive $40 in vouchers to use at the market ($20 free)
If I spend $50 of food stamps, I receive $70 in vouchers to use at the market ($20 free)
If I spend $5 of food stamps, I receive $10 in vouchers to use at the market ($5 free)
Step 4
Buy nutricious fruits and veggies with your vouchers!
