The Harbor Area Farmers’ Markets is helping shoppers using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) buy more fruits and vegetables with its Market Match Program.
When shoppers spend money from their EBT and P-EBT cards to purchase fruits and vegetables at the Bixby Knolls, Downtown Long Beach and Marina farmers markets, their funds will be matched up to $10 in vouchers.
According to Kelli Johnson of the Harbor Area Farmers Market, around 50 shoppers take advantage of the Market Match Program at their Bixby Knolls location each week, and over 1,000 take advantage of the program weekly across all their Los Angeles County locations.
“As people become aware the number increases little by little,” Johnson said.
Other farmers’ market shoppers who want to give back to their neighbors can donate a farm box online, which contains a mix of seasonal leafy greens and other vegetables.
“Which is great because we always have a list of families in need that we can support,” Johnson said.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, 10.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2020.
The Bixby Knolls Farmers Market takes place each Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and E 46th St.; the downtown Long Beach Farmers Market takes place each Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and the Marina Farmers Market on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Marina Drive.
Those in need can apply for EBT at getcalfresh.org.