CalFresh sign-up event planned for Merced-area farmers

The Merced County Department of Public Health, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, will host an event next week for local farmers to become authorized to accept CalFresh.

CalFresh, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income families.

The sign-up event, according to the USDA, is an effort to help farmers increase their business at farmers markets. It would also allow low-income households to gain greater access to fresh produce.

Sign-ups will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Merced County Department of Public Health, 260 E. 15th St. in Merced. Farmers markets, farm stands and community-supported agriculture programs in Merced and surrounding counties can be authorized for CalFresh.

The effort to improve nutrition is supported when farmers accept CalFresh, the USDA said. Farmers can sell a variety of eligible foods and beverages through CalFresh, including fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, breads, honey and jams.

Public health officials said 55,000 people in Merced County participate in the CalFresh program, but it is estimated that about half of the county’s population of 266,000 qualifies.

Stephanie Russell, project coordinator for SNAP education at the Merced County Department of Public Health, said the initiative can be a boost for the economy as well as a health benefit for residents.

“The bottom line is that pricing is a factor for many people, and CalFresh definitely helps people afford healthy foods,” Russell said.

Grants will also available for free wireless electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, equipment.

Farmers and farmers market managers interested in becoming authorized CalFresh retailers should take the following items to the sign-up event: photo identification, Social Security card or other official document with a name and Social Security number, and a copy of a voided check for the bank account that will be used to deposit funds.

“Thanks to local farmers, we have an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods here in California,” said Jesus Mendoza Jr., Western regional administrator for USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. “We want to expand access to these foods, and their health benefits to those participating in CalFresh.”

According to the USDA, CalFresh recipients last year spent more than $3.8 million at California farmers markets. Currently in California, there are more than 460 individual farmers and farmers markets authorized to accept CalFresh.

In Merced County, there are only a few, Russell said.

This story was originally published June 24, 2015 at 6:12 PM with the headline "CalFresh sign-up event planned for Merced-area farmers."