CalFresh Utilization success recognized

This article talks about under-utilization of CalFresh, and has some helpful information including statistics on how people learn about CalFresh.

One success story it points to: "By partnering with market managers and other agencies in San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara County, UCCE outreach has contributed to a 171% increase in CalFresh and Market Match redemption over the last three years with over $380,000 infused directly into the local economy. That is money spent on healthy local foods by low-income community members."

The article was carried in several small regional papers.

In SLO: https://www.newtimesslo.com/sanluisobispo/slo-countys-calfresh-enrollment-rate-one-of-the-lowest-statewide/Content?oid=12523222

In the Sierras: https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/38787-many-eligible-californians-aren-t-using-calfresh-to-improve-food-security-known-nationally-as-the-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap

In Imperial Valley: https://www.ivpressonline.com/open/many-eligible-californians-arent-using-calfresh-to-improve-food-security/article_910eadd6-dc7a-11ec-831f-2bfa75164c8d.html

Despite this good work, there is a hitch. While all South County farmers' markets accept the CalFresh EBT card and offer Market Match, and two Mid County markets do (Solvang and Vandenberg Village/Route 1), no North County markets do. The organization FRESA has been working to help develop community support for establishment of a farmers' market in North County that would accept the CalFresh EBT card and offer Market Match. Learn more at www.ncfresa.org.