Food Access at the Farmers' Market
The North Coast Growers' Association works hard to create better food access for all. We accept CalFresh EBT and WIC, and offer a $10 Market Match at every farmers market to help make fresh food more affordable. Read more about these programs, and other food access resources, below. Learn more about our Harvest Box Program, here.
CalFresh EBT and 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 1st 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 and P-EBT at all of our farmers’ market sites in Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Garberville, Miranda, McKinleyville and Willow Creek. Learn more about P-EBT here.
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 and P-EBT at all of our farmers’ market sites in Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Garberville, Miranda, McKinleyville and Willow Creek. Learn more about P-EBT here.
"How do I spend my benefits at the market?"
Find the Market Info booth. Staff can swipe your EBT card and exchange your benefits for tokens which can be spent at vendor booths at the farmers' market.
All NCGA markets offer a Market Match, which doubles up to the first $10 spent at each market. This match is automatically applied when you exchange your benefits. The Market Match is also issued as tokens that can be spent at vendor booths.
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.
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 checks at the market?"
Many farmers at NCGA markets have been approved to receive WIC checks. Look for WIC signs at our booths or ask your favorite farmers if they accept the checks.
Each check will give you a list of eligible products that your check can be spent on and will have a total dollar value. Our farmers cannot provide change if you do not spend the full value of your check. Ask your farmer if you would like help selecting items that will get you to your total check amount but will not go over. This is a common request and we are happy to help!
Each check will give you a list of eligible products that your check can be spent on and will have a total dollar value. Our farmers cannot provide change if you do not spend the full value of your check. Ask your farmer if you would like help selecting items that will get you to your total check amount but will not go over. This is a common request and we are happy to help!
Here are some basics:
- One check, one farmer: Use the entire FMNP check with one farmer. You cannot split a purchase between two farmers
- Eggs, milk, bread, honey, nuts, baked goods, or processed foods are not allowed WIC purchases at the farmers’ market
- You will not receive change from any WIC transaction
- Do not exchange WIC checks for tokens or scrip
- Ask to speak with the Market Manager if you have a problem at the market
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) offers $28 booklets. Available from most local WIC Agencies in May or June of each year with a limited supply. Use only at WIC-authorized Farmers’ Markets.
"What if I have a WIC Card?"
WIC Card Cash Value Benefit cards, similar to a debit card, are available from all WIC local agencies year-round. Use at WIC-authorized grocery stores and with select farmers at NCGA markets.
At this time, very few of our NCGA vendors accept WIC cards. Talk to a market manager for more information.
- Use only the Cash Value Benefit for fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers’ Market
- Give your WIC card directly to the farmer for your purchase
At this time, very few of our NCGA vendors accept WIC cards. Talk to a market manager for more information.
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