| As SNAP Benefits Are Cut, Market Match Helps Bridge the Fresh Food Access Gap |
During the pandemic, the federal government increased SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to help individuals in need, and as a result, many started using their benefits at the farmers market for the first time. After three years, these emergency pandemic boosts expired at the beginning of April, leaving many families at risk for food insecurity amidst inflation and rising food costs.
At Foodwise farmers markets and markets across California, shoppers can double their CalFresh (California SNAP benefits) with Market Match by swiping their EBT card at the Info Booth and receiving free tokens to spend on fresh produce. With CalFresh Awareness Month approaching in May, we talked with shoppers, farmers, and Market Match administrators about the impact of this massive cut to benefits and the lasting importance of CalFresh and Market Match for fresh food access and a thriving local food system. |
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| | | Tomorrow! Youth-Led Cooking Demo with Foodwise Teens |
| Stop by the Foodwise Classroom for a cooking demo led by students from Foodwise Teens, a paid youth development program where teens become change agents for a sustainable, equitable, and nourishing food future. Learn how to pasta from Mission High School students James, Rogelyn, and Hiero, and cheer them on! |
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| | | Support Small Farms as a Foodwise Sustainer |
| Join a committed group of Foodwise supporters who believe in the importance of local farms, food access, and education. As a Foodwise Sustainer, your monthly gift provides critical year-round support to keep our farmers markets thriving. "It is a privilege to support the farmers who are working so hard and take such pride in giving us the best of everything," says Foodwise Sustainer Ether Marks. |
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| | | Volunteers of the Month: Leslie and Josiah |
| Thank you to our volunteers of the month, mother and son duo, Leslie Mayadag and Josiah Guerry, who have been supporting Foodwise demos. "Foodwise means a lot to me," says Josiah. "I really like the idea of connecting the entire community together with fresh food and education." |
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| | | Lightly Cooked Kohlrabi Noodles |
| Rachel Bolden-Kramer, author of My Food Stamps Cookbook, shared this budget-friendly recipe for kohlrabi noodles and greens. Try this dish for a fun way to get your veggies in. |
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| Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Featured Vendors |
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Gavel's Farm Returns with Hot House Harvests
Sergii and Tanya Gavelovskyy grow tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers in greenhouses in Winters. Each spring, their return with hothouse cucumbers is highly anticipated at the Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. |
| New! Sukulenta SF is Serving Up Afro Colombian Eats
Chef Angélica Mena grew her business with the support of SF Black Wallstreet, a Building Equity program community partner. Stop by her stand on Thursdays for prepared foods such as meat or veggie empanadas and Colombian BBQ. |
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| Mission Community Market: Featured Vendors |
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Feast Your Eyes on Jen Kindell's Produce Prints
Mission-based artist Jen Kindell screen prints artwork inspired by the farmers at the Mission Community Market, where she has been sharing her works with neighbors since 2013. Visit her stand on Thursday for colorful prints of local produce and fauna. |
| Let the Good Times RoliRoti with Gourmet Rotisserie
Growing up in his family’s butcher shop in Switzerland inspired Thomas Odermatt to found RoliRoti in 2002. On Thursdays at Mission Community, and three days a week at Ferry Plaza, stop by for their popular porchetta sandwiches and rotisserie. |
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