HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CalFresh, WIC, or EBT BENEFIT PROGRAMS?

SEE BELOW FOR A LIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

How can I apply to for CalFresh? 

Apply three different ways:  

  1. Online at getcalfresh.org 

  2. By telephone at (866) 613-3777 

  3. In person at your local Department of Public Social Services office 

Can I use P-EBT or out of state EBT cards at the market?  

  • Yes, we accept all forms of EBT/SNAP food benefits at all our farmers’ markets. Please note that we do not process or provide matching funds (i.e. Market Match and other bonus dollars) for EBT Cash Benefits.  

Can I use my WIC CVB card at the market? 

  • Yes. However, service is very limited. Currently, WIC cards are only accepted at Central Avenue and Echo Park Farmers’ Markets. These benefits must be spent directly with farm vendors that are able to process WIC cards. We provide up to $15 in matching funds for WIC CVB benefits spent at these markets. Please visit the market info booth for more information and to learn which farmers accept WIC. 

Which dollars do I use for which foods? 

  • EBT Market dollars can be spent on EBT eligible food items, these include fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, food producing plants, dairy products, eggs, meats, and packaged or bottled items such as granola, coffee beans, bottled juice or pastries. Hot, and ready-to-eat foods are not eligible

  • Market Match dollars can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables

  • LA River Farmers’ Market ‘Park Bites’ can be spent on any food items at that market 

What is the California Fruit and Vegetable Pilot? 

  • The California Fruit and Vegetable Pilot is a pilot program of the California Department of Social Services in which the Atwater Village Farmers’ Market is an authorized retailer. The program is testing technology that applies nutrition incentives directly into CalFresh accounts. CalFresh shoppers can earn an instant rebate of up to $60 per month for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. The rebate is a dollar-for-dollar benefit and shoppers can decide whether to spend the rebate instantly or to keep it in their accounts so that their original balance stays the same. 

Since the pilot offers a dollar-for-dollar rebate, shoppers must have food stamp funds available in order to earn the rebate. Please note, any incentives redeemed at the Adams Vermont Farmers’ Market or at Mothers’ Nutritional Center will be applied to the total $60 available per month. Since these locations are also participating in the pilot, purchases there will impact what you can earn at the Atwater Village Farmers’ Market. Click here for a complete list of participating locations.