We believe that everyone should have equal access to healthy food, and that

the health of our communities and the livelihood of our local farmers should go hand-in-hand.

which program is right for you?

Prescription Vouchers

turn illness into Wellness today

VeggieRx is a behavior change program for low income individuals, youth, and families who have diet-related health conditions. The program provides nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and access to healthy foods through a series of 8 classes over 16 weeks where participants engage in discussions and hands-on activities about food, nutrition, and cooking.

At each class, health indicators such as height, weight, blood pressure, and BMI are measured, and participants receive “prescription” vouchers that can only be used to purchase fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. By tracking health indicators, participants and program staff can witness the positive health changes associated with a healthier diet and increased access to healthy foods.

Click here to learn more details on how Fresh Approach implements VeggieRx in Bay Area communities.

EBT / SNAP Benefits

Get help putting food on the table

Also known as Food Stamps, Calfresh benefits stretch food budgets, allowing low-income individuals, families, and now SSI & SSP eligible persons to afford nutritious food, including more fruit, vegetables, fish and other healthy foods. The amount of benefits a household receives is dependent on household size countable income, and monthly expenses, such as housing and utilities. The program issues monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card. Once you obtain your EBT card, check in at the Information Booth at any UVFM farmers market that accepts EBT cards. All Urban Village Farmers Markets that accept CalFresh EBT will automatically participate in the Market Match Program, which will help stretch your EBT funds even further!

To check eligibility and apply for CalFresh benefits go to: GetCalFresh.org or visit the CDSS Website Here.

double Your dollars

double your weekly CalFresh money at the Farmers Market

Market Match is California’s healthy food incentive program, which *doubles customers’ federal nutrition assistance benefits, like CalFresh EBT, at farmers’ markets.

It's easy! EBT cardholders simply show up to a participating market and find the Information Booth. As you withdraw your desired amount from your EBT card we will automatically match* it. Both EBT and Match monies are dispensed in $1 UVFM Market Coins that you can spend directly with each market vendor. 

*Urban Village will MATCH (green coins) your EBT (copper coins) withdrawal amount, dollar for dollar, up to $10 per day at participating markets. Match money is restricted for the use of fruits and vegetables only and never expire.  

Find our Participating Markets Below:

healthy parenting Assistance

get an early start on your child's nutrition

WIC (Women, Infants & Children) is a national nutrition education program that promotes healthy eating. Among its many services, clients get WIC Checks to buy the freshest, most nutrient dense fruits and vegetables at your local Farmers Markets. Studies show that low income parents who have used WIC have healthier pregnancies and healthier children.

Use at the Farmers Market

Simply bring your non-expired WIC checks to the farmers market and spend the entire amount of each check (typically in $4, $5, $8, $11 denominations) at your choice of any fruit or vegetable farm stand. 

Eligibility

WIC serves pregnant and breastfeeding women and parents raising infants or children under the age of 5 years. Foster parents, guardians and single fathers who have custody of their children can also get WIC. To learn more about how to sign up visit a WIC office in your county. 

Alameda County: http://www.acphd.org/

Santa Clara County: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/services/Wic/Pages/how-to-apply-for-wic.aspx

Contra Costa County: http://cchealth.org/wic/