The Cal State LA Farmers Market, hosted by the CalFresh Outreach Center in partnership with Eastmont Community Center, offers farm-fresh produce, local artisan goods, and community resources. Held every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Main Walkway, the market supports students experiencing food insecurity through programs like Market Match and CalFresh. It provides a vibrant space for students and the community to access healthy, locally-sourced food and engage with various vendors and organizations.
95 students used Market Match and CalFresh benefits to shop at the market.
The market is open to the community, supporting low-income students and community members experiencing food insecurity. It promotes CalFresh, allowing recipients to use EBT cards for eligible items. The Market Match program matches CalFresh benefits, providing up to $20 in vouchers for fruits and vegetables. This initiative enhances community engagement by offering access to healthy food and supporting those in need.
Through the farmers market, Cal State LA students got the opportunity to connect and engage with a local community organization that offers support resources to over 7,000 families every year. Students get to learn about additional no cost food security, health care, immigration, and educational resources. They also learned about volunteer and employment opportunities through our partner organization.
The increase in CalFresh-enrolled students attending the farmers market throughout the academic year underscores its effectiveness as an outreach strategy, particularly through its partnership with Eastmont Community Center. As the only on-campus location where CalFresh-enrolled students can use their EBT cards, the market plays a crucial role in boosting CalFresh enrollment and reducing the stigma of accessing public benefits. This initiative also connects community resources, fosters entrepreneurship, and unites students, staff, faculty, and community members.
The CalFresh Outreach team is dedicated to actively promoting the farmers market and our partnership with Eastmont Community Center to all students who seek our services and are approved for CalFresh. Additionally, we strive to increase awareness of our farmers market within the broader community to boost sales and attract more local food vendors and farmers.