CalFresh eligible families get $20 in fruits/veggies for $10 at Dinuba Farmers Market

DINUBA – Starting Friday, June 15, families using $10 in CalFresh benefits, also known as electronic benefits transfer (EBT), at the Dinuba Farmers’ Market will get an additional $10 to purchase even more locally-grown fruits and vegetables.

This additional $10 offer will be available through Friday, Aug. 3, thanks to a grant from the Ecology Center in Oakland. Kaweah Delta Health Care District is overseeing Market Match, California’s healthy food incentive program. The program matches customers’ federal nutrition assistance benefits at farmers’ markets to empower low-income customers to make healthy food choices.

Market Match can be used at the Dinuba Farmers’ Market, which takes place from 6-9 p.m. at 289 S. L Street in downtown Dinuba. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market will offer nutrition education and informational booths, healthy recipe sampling, along with live entertainment, arts, crafts, children’s activities, and opportunity drawings. Opening night will feature Balazzo, a local band that plays Tejano-style music.

In addition to EBT, the Dinuba Farmers’ Market accepts Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers issued by WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Area Agency on Aging senior programs.

The Dinuba Certified Farmers Market, celebrating its fifth year, was established by a collaborative effort of the Network Leaders on the Move, Tulare County Partnership (NLOM). The collaborative is comprised of local government, profit and non-profit agencies and resident leaders. The committee meets monthly to strategize and coordinate the Dinuba’s annual seasonal farmers market. The revitalized Dinuba Certified Farmers Market has reached many surrounding communities labeled as food deserts (areas lacking access to healthy foods).

Along with the certified farmers’ market, various partnering agencies have emphasized the importance of good nutrition using MyPlate curriculum and the importance of daily physical activity such as free Zumba classes and walking clubs offered by volunteer resident leaders.