Healdsburg CA, July 7, 2011 — Community Foundation Sonoma County and the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market are teaming up to encourage Healdsburg area residents on low incomes to eat more fresh local produce.

The joint project announced today allows the Farmers’ Market to expand their “market match,” or incentive, to CalFresh consumers. CalFresh, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a benefit program (once known as food stamps) that provides food to needy individuals and families.

Starting July 9, consumers using a CalFresh Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market will be able to get an additional token worth one dollar for every CalFresh dollar they spend, up to $20.

“The Community Foundation’s partnership with the market is designed to foster a connection between local shoppers, farmers and people in need,” said Stuart Harrison, a Healdsburg Area board member with the Foundation.

Processed, pre-packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat can seem to satisfy one’s hunger but lead to many negative health consequences. For example, according to the American Heart Association, one out of three American young people is overweight or obese.

“We are making locally grown fruits and vegetables more accessible to people who need a little assistance in purchasing healthy food at this time in their lives and in our economy,” said Mary Kelley, manager of the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market. “Our aim in working with the Community Foundation is to supplement limited budgets to include more nutritious fresh foods.”

“In addition to helping fund the program, Community Foundation volunteers will ask Farmers’ Market patrons to chip in and help their less fortunate neighbors share in the market’s amazing bounty,” added Harrison.

CalFresh EBT matching funds are available at the Saturday and Tuesday Healdsburg Farmers’ Market from the market manager’s table.

At Community Foundation Sonoma County, we believe in the power of connecting people, ideas and resources to benefit the lives of those who live here. Everyday, we create partnerships with donors, organizations and community leaders to invest in the promise of Sonoma County.

Community Foundation Sonoma County
Healdsburg Area
Post Office Box 464
Healdsburg, CA 95448-0464

Community Foundation Sonoma County
250 D Street, Suite 205
Santa Rosa, CA 95404-4773

Main phone: 707.579.4073
Fax: 707.579.4801
General inquiries: info@sonomacf.org
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. M-F

Website: http://www.sonomacf.org/