In a city of over four million residents, Los Angeles has extreme income disparities. In some pockets of town it may be easier for you to find a French fry than an apple, but in other pockets you might find a dozen apple choices-local, organic, heirloom, and conventionally grown varieties. A solution that might address access barriers to healthy foods is to increase consumer purchase power at farmers markets. Currently, the city of Los Angeles has 57 farmers markets in operation.
Just a few weeks ago, on May 13th, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted (13-0) for an ordinance requiring all farmers markets to accept CalFresh Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Councilman Jos Huizar introduced this measure, in partnership with the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, Hunger Action LA, and the Los Angeles Community Action Network. Prior to this measure, less than half of the city's farmers markets accepted CalFresh EBT. Now that the ordinance is passed, what next?
Photo by Seacoast Eat Local, Flickr Creative Commons License.
Authorizing and Equipping Farmers Markets to Accept EBT
The CalFresh Program is federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally referred to as food stamps. CalFresh provides food support to low-income individuals and families. In order for farmers markets to gain authorization to accept EBT, operators must apply with the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS). On May 17th, just a few days after the measure passed, a sign-up event was hosted[1] at City Hall to encourage farmers market operators to sign up for CalFresh. The event enrolled 26 farmers market operators and the USDA-FNS processed all applications in about two hours, expediting an enrollment process that usually takes 30 to 45 days. Today, almost 100 percent of the city of Los Angeles' farmers markets are enrolled to accept EBT.
Once farmers markets are authorized to accept EBT, they need the machines to process transactions. CalFresh recipients access their benefits through EBT cards, which functions like a debit card. In grocery stores, merchants will typically swipe the card through their normal credit/debit card terminal, and the consumer will enter their Personal Identification Numbers (PIN). Unlike some card machines and phone apps, EBT and debit transactions require consumers to enter their PIN. Many of these devices and apps are not designed to accept PINs as part of a transaction process. Luckily, through the application process, farmers market operators receive free EBT machines.
Establishing a Scrip System
Even after applying and receiving EBT devices, farmers market operators need to develop other logistics. For instance, in such an open market with many vendors, how do CalFresh recipients use their benefits? A coordinated scrip system, or payment process, between market operators, farmers, and customers must be established. For instance, operators typically establish a central Point of Sale station with an EBT machine at an information booth or station. Here, customers will swipe their EBT cards to obtain scrip (paper vouchers or wooden tokens) used to buy eligible food items from market farmers. Some eligible items for purchase include fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and breads. At the end of the market day, farmers turn in vouchers and tokens to managers at the market for payment.
--
--
Debunking Myths and Consumer Education
Building it doesn't always mean people will come. The passage of the ordinance may have facilitated policy changes, but what about implementation practices? Another aspect to this is consumer education on many levels. Farmers markets are notorious for being thought of as more expensive than grocery stores. That's not always the case. Unless your shopping list only has artisan goods, then yes, the farmers market can get pricey. However, you can buy healthy and affordable fruits and vegetables at a fraction of the megastore cost by purchasing directly from farmers. In fact, that's why farmers markets exist in the first place. The goal was, and still is today, to cut out the middle process of food distribution and connect consumers directly with farmers. To break down these notions as well as to introduce Angelenos who have never been to a farmers market, there needs to be more consumer education through community engagement. The following are some ways to help create accessible and welcoming environments for all consumers.
Introducing the Farmers Market. Like any new environment, there are things you need to learn as you enter that space. Farmers markets vary because of how they operate and the farmers that set up shop. Anything from word of mouth to holding community events at a local farmers market can attract more visitors. Some farmers may have food that consumers may not be familiar with. Encouraging sample stations and facilitating cooking demonstrations may introduce consumers to new healthy food items.
Maximizing Dollars. In addition to CalFresh, many famers markets also participate in other governmental programs that may further support CalFresh recipients. There are many farmers market vendors that accept WIC (Women, Infants & Children) checks. Through a healthy food inventive program called Market Match, CalFresh and WIC recipients can receive additional dollars for farmers market purchases. Another way to save money at the farmers market is to ask vendors about their seconds. Often farmers may have fruit that are slightly bruised or imperfect in some small way that they will sell for a discounted cost. They may look slightly imperfect, but they'll taste perfectly good for a fraction of the price.
Finding Cultural Connections. Nopales? No problem! The beauty of farmers markets in the city of Los Angeles is the cultural dive
Most recent headlines
17/02/2025
TVBEurope talks to the team who brought a piece of broadcasting history back to life on BBC Wales last night
By Jenny Priestley
Published: February 14, 2025 ...
17/02/2025
Eligible studios will receive the relief directly from their local authorities, with no need to submit a claim
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 17, 20...
17/02/2025
As DEI initiatives come under pressure in the USA, supporters of Rise, which promotes diversity in the media and entertainment sector, discuss the continuing im...
17/02/2025
EIB Global loan will partially fund SES's continued O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit (MEO) fleet expansion enabling additional capacity worldwide. O3b mPOWER s...
15/02/2025
At Nielsen, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) play a critical role in nurturing a ...
15/02/2025
Innovation to empower creativity: Explore the latest in Lightroom
Rob Christensen February 15, 2025
0 Comments
Whether you want to remove distracting ...
15/02/2025
Wisycom, a worldwide leader in RF technology and provider of wireless solutions, announces a new distribution agreement with EQUAPHON. An Argentinian profession...
15/02/2025
DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to welcome Nicholas Nick Mariano and Vincent Vince Divine to the ...
15/02/2025
Tuxera, a leading provider of quality-assured file systems and networking solutions, will showcase how Tuxera Fusion SMB enables unprecedented performance for m...
15/02/2025
Bitmovin's latest Video Developer Report indicates an increasing role of AI, the slow adoption of next-generation codecs, and continuing challenges when it ...
15/02/2025
When Michelin Enterprises set out to promote its prestigious Hotel Guide in the new Sleepless in the Kitchen , campaign, veteran German/Slovenian gaffer Robert...
15/02/2025
Formula E, the world's first all-electric racing series, revolutionizing motorsport with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability has sele...
15/02/2025
Agile Content, a global leader in TV and video technology solutions, announces its rebranding to AgileTV.
The transition to AgileTV stems from a commitment to ...
15/02/2025
Hiltron Communications will promote the latest additions to its range of satellite communication products, systems and supporting services at GovSatCom 2025. Th...
15/02/2025
Following the success of the original Airglow Booklight, DoPchoice debuts a new addition to their inflatable line the Float. This lightweight, inflatable, round...
15/02/2025
LAS VEGAS Marshall Electronics has announced that it will debut its newest camera controller, the RCP Plus, at the 2025 NAB Show at Booth N2649 between April 5 ...
15/02/2025
ATLANTA Gray Media has named Blake Sebo as the next general manager of KTUU and KYES, Gray's NBC and CBS affiliates in Anchorage, Alaska....
15/02/2025
KOKKEDAL, Denmark DPA Microphones will feature its new CORE+ technology for distortion-free microphone sound at the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, in Las Vegas....
15/02/2025
SWANSEA, U.K. QuickLink will launch StudioPro-NDI and StudioPro-3, two new models of its QuickLine StudioPro video production platform, at the 2025 NAB Show, Ap...
15/02/2025
Live From 2025 NBA All-Star Game Weekend: After 25 Years, Turner Sports All-In F...
15/02/2025
NASCAR Driver Cam on Max Embraces Cloud-Based Workflow for 2025 Season Chris Brown of WBD Sports says Mobii will play key part in delivering signals from the tr...
14/02/2025
Last month, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new m...
14/02/2025
From an island off the coast of Lutruwita to the global stage in France SBS & ...
14/02/2025
The future of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) land systems is evolving so that ...
14/02/2025
Here are 5 reasons why you should attend ISE 2025
Discover more about Calrec: Learn more about Calrec's legacy of innovation in broadcast audio solutions ...
14/02/2025
World Radio Day: On the same wavelength
By Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec
To mark World Radio Day, Calrec's International Sales Ma...
14/02/2025
DALLAS and TYSONS, Va. Tegna has concluded a broadcast rights agreement that makes Tegna's KFAA in Dallas the exclusive local television partner of the Dall...
14/02/2025
Amazon's Prime Video has released a new app for Apple TV that the streamer said delivers an improved streaming experiences with faster scrolling, improved s...
14/02/2025
CLEVELAND Telos Alliance announced a software update for its Axia Quasar XR and SR line of audio-over-IP (AoIP) mixing consoles and will show the offering at th...
14/02/2025
Puget Systems Returns to HPA Tech Retreat 2025 with New Analysis Tools for Puge...
14/02/2025
Glass Animals: Tour of Earth Uses Blackmagic Live Production Workflow
Brie Clayton February 14, 2025
0 Comments
80six deploys Blackmagic URSA Broadcas...
14/02/2025
A dispute between Paramount and Youtube TV that would have pulled CBS stations and Paramount's cable channels from the streaming service has been temporaril...
14/02/2025
Colourist Deidre (Dee) McClelland details how she helped shape the distinct look and feel of whimsical Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, Memoir of a Snail
By C...
14/02/2025
BitFire said it intends to introduce forward-looking services that simplify the launch of live production workflows, and enhance real-time collaboration
By Jen...
14/02/2025
The claim by the liquidators is the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the companys collapse at the end of 2021
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 14, ...
14/02/2025
A carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount could come to a head today (Feb. 13), with the virtual pay TV provider threatening to pull all of the progra...
14/02/2025
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. LG Electronics USA has opened a new in-house, state-of-the-art virtual production studio at its 360,000-square-foot North American headqu...
14/02/2025
NEW YORK In a bid to help local broadcasters find new ways of monetizing their content, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) and TVB have relea...
14/02/2025
WASHINGTON Three Democratic U.S. Senators have sent a stern letter blasting FCC Chair Brendan Carr for the weaponization of the agency for attacking broadcast...
14/02/2025
Years after launching the streaming service Apple TV+ in November of 2019, Apple has finally released a version of its steaming app for Android devices....
14/02/2025
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. Red Digital Cinema will make its V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X camera systems available with Nikon's premier Z Mount, providing filmmaker...
14/02/2025
DAYTONA, Fla. The Fox Sports production of this year's Daytona 500 will see the addition of a few new tech elements and the continued unfolding of the broad...
14/02/2025
Watch Bryson Battles Blind Audition on The Voice Get a Four-Chair Turn Michael Bubl said the Boston Conservatory at Berklee musical theater senior might have...
14/02/2025
2025 Daytona 500: FOX Sports Looks To Ride Super Bowl LIX Momentum Into NASCAR S...
14/02/2025
14 Feb 2025
VEON's Kyivstar and the Come Back Alive Foundation Raise USD 2....
14/02/2025
Max Renews THE PITT, Starring Noah Wyle, For A Second Season
Max
Warner Bros. Television Group
The Pitt
New Episodes Of The Medical Drama From John...
14/02/2025
This year, Technicolor proudly celebrates 110 years of shaping the magic of cinema pioneering color, visual effects, and innovation that bring unforgettable l...
14/02/2025
NBA All-Star: More Games, More Teams, More Music, More Sound From the Court Turner Sports' team will deploy familiar tech to capture all the audio By Dan D...
14/02/2025
LIV Golf Continues To Innovate With Drones, Data-Driven Graphics, and All-Access...
In a city of over four million residents, Los Angeles has extreme income disparities. In some pockets of town it may be easier for you to find a French fry than an apple, but in other pockets you might find a dozen apple choices-local, organic, heirloom, and conventionally grown varieties. A solution that might address access barriers to healthy foods is to increase consumer purchase power at farmers markets. Currently, the city of Los Angeles has 57 farmers markets in operation.
