Food Access at
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The North Coast Growers' Association works hard to create better food access for all!
We accept and offer many benefit types at our farmers' markets:
Read more about these programs, and other food access resources, below.
Are you a community agency interested in being a distribution site for Market Match vouchers? Contact Katherine.
We accept and offer many benefit types at our farmers' markets:
- CalFresh EBT
- Market Match Tokens and Vouchers
- WIC Cash Value Benefits and WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
- Open Door Vouchers
Read more about these programs, and other food access resources, below.
Are you a community agency interested in being a distribution site for Market Match vouchers? Contact Katherine.
CalFresh EBT & Market Match
We have been accepting what is now known as CalFresh since the early 1980's, when the program was still referred to as "food stamps." In 2005 we became one of the first markets in California to begin accepting electronic benefits.
Our long history has given us deep levels of connections between our organization, the farmers, and the CalFresh community. We thank our CalFresh shoppers for choosing to spend your Federal benefits with local farmers, supporting our local economy and ensuring the resiliency of our food system.
We accept CalFresh EBT at all of our farmers’ market sites in Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Garberville, Miranda, and McKinleyville, and accept it for our Harvest Box Program, which brings the farmers market right to your front door.
Our long history has given us deep levels of connections between our organization, the farmers, and the CalFresh community. We thank our CalFresh shoppers for choosing to spend your Federal benefits with local farmers, supporting our local economy and ensuring the resiliency of our food system.
We accept CalFresh EBT at all of our farmers’ market sites in Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Garberville, Miranda, and McKinleyville, and accept it for our Harvest Box Program, which brings the farmers market right to your front door.
The Market Match program helps make fresh food more affordable and offers CalFresh EBT recipients a $15 Market Match when they visit any NCGA farmers' market*. Visit the market info booth for more information.
Market Match is a program of the Ecology Center and is funded in part through the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
(*all markets offer the Market Match except for Shelter Cove)
Market Match is a program of the Ecology Center and is funded in part through the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
(*all markets offer the Market Match except for Shelter Cove)
How do I spend my CalFresh benefits at the market?
- Find the Market Info booth.
- Staff will swipe your EBT card and exchange your benefits for copper tokens, as long as you have enough benefits on your card.
- You will also receive up to $15 in silver Market Match tokens.
- Spend the tokens directly with farmers on eligible items.
How tokens work:
- Each token is worth $1.
- EBT tokens are copper (older wooden EBT tokens have a green design) and can be spent on any food EXCEPT hot, ready to eat food. This includes fruits and veggies, plants or seeds that produce food, meat, dairy, eggs, bakery items, hot sauce, jams and jellies, and more.
- Market Match tokens are silver (older wooden MM tokens have a blue design) and can only be used to buy fruits and veggies, or plants that produce food.
- See the eligible items cheat
Apply for CalFresh EBT
We welcome you to talk with your farmers' market manager to learn more and apply with us on paper or digitally with our tablets right at market. Applying online is also, and can take less than 10 minutes.
To apply online, click here:
To apply online, click here:
WIC Program
(Women, Infants, and Children)
NCGA became involved with the WIC program in 1995. By securing a local grant, the association was able to participate in the development of the WIC program's checks in Humboldt County, which were designed to help get fresh fruits and vegetables on the tables of women with infants and children who might not otherwise have been able to afford them. Our farmers soon voted to continue the program and provide additional funding.
How do I spend my WIC benefits at the market?
New in 2025, WIC recipients may spend their Cash Value Benefits at the farmers' markets! More information to come soon.
- Visit your local WIC office to receive an updated card that has a QR code on it.
- Then, bring your card to the farmers' market and spend your card directly with WIC authorized farmers. (Farmers will have signs, and you'll be provided a list).
- After you select your produce items, farmers will scan your card with their phone camera, enter in the amount of the transaction, you'll enter your PIN, and the money will come off of your card.
Here are some basics:
- Spend benefits on your WIC card directly with WIC authorized farmers
- Eggs, milk, bread, honey, nuts, baked goods, or processed foods are not allowed WIC purchases at the farmers’ market
- Ask to speak with the Market Manager if you have a problem at the market
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Once per year, the North Coast Growers' Association partners with the Area 1 Agency on Aging to distribute benefits to seniors. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is a program of CDFA, the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
New in 2025, seniors can visit farmers' markets to receive cards that are loaded with benefits once per season. In addition to the benefits on the card, seniors will also receive Market Match vouchers.
New in 2025, seniors can visit farmers' markets to receive cards that are loaded with benefits once per season. In addition to the benefits on the card, seniors will also receive Market Match vouchers.
How do I receive my benefits and spend them?
- Visit farmers' markets in Garberville, Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville, and Fortuna during select markets in June or July.
- Market staff will sign you up for the program and provide you with a card.
- Then, spend your card directly with WIC authorized farmers. (Farmers will have signs, and you'll be provided a list).
- After you select your eligible items (produce and honey), farmers will scan your card with their phone camera, enter in the amount of the transaction, and then the money will come off of your card.
Shopping at the Farmers' Market on a Budget
If you are already a farmers’ market shopper then you probably know that locally grown food just tastes better! Plus, it’s healthier for us because food purchased so soon after harvest retains more of its nutrients, also giving us more bang for our buck. Additionally, farmers’ markets give us all the opportunity to contribute to our local economy and the resiliency of our food system.
However, finding room in our budgets for local foods can be difficult for many of us. By talking with many savvy farmers’ market customers, we have come up with some helpful ideas for shopping at farmers’ markets on a budget.
Click here to read our tips for shopping at the market.
However, finding room in our budgets for local foods can be difficult for many of us. By talking with many savvy farmers’ market customers, we have come up with some helpful ideas for shopping at farmers’ markets on a budget.
Click here to read our tips for shopping at the market.
Farmers' Market Finder
Looking for Other California Farmers' Markets that accept CalFresh EBT & Offer Market Match?
The Farmers’ Market Finder website provides a map of farmers markets across the state. It also let you know which farmers' markets accept CalFresh and WIC and which markets offer Market Match! Find this resource at www.fmfinder.org
Looking for Other California Farmers' Markets that accept CalFresh EBT & Offer Market Match?
The Farmers’ Market Finder website provides a map of farmers markets across the state. It also let you know which farmers' markets accept CalFresh and WIC and which markets offer Market Match! Find this resource at www.fmfinder.org