California Farmers' Markets Face Funding Crisis

The California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) and Market Match, crucial initiatives supporting farmers' markets and CalFresh shoppers, are at risk of losing state funding in the proposed 2026/2027 budget. This funding is vital for helping low-income families afford fresh produce and for sustaining local farmers. Without renewed financial support, these programs are projected to run out of funds by early 2027, jeopardizing access to healthy food and the economic viability of small farms.

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding

Market Match has been instrumental in enhancing food access and supporting local economies. The program matches CalFresh benefits, effectively doubling the purchasing power of low-income shoppers at farmers' markets. In 2025, Market Match facilitated over $22 million in sales, providing nearly 45 million servings of California-grown fruits and vegetables. The program reaches approximately 40% of California's 650 farmers' markets, with advocates pushing for $50 million in funding to expand its reach and increase the match amount from $15 to $20 per visit.

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding

Paul-Zen Lee, a specialty produce farmer, emphasized the program's importance, stating, “If the market were to lose the program, we would lose almost half of our income.” The economic multiplier effect of these funds is estimated at 3-to-1, benefiting farming families and surrounding communities.

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding

Advocates, including the Ecology Center, are actively campaigning for the inclusion of Market Match funding in the state budget. Sara Leaverton, Business Development Director of the Ecology Center, noted that they are engaging with legislators to promote the program's significance. Martin Bourque, Executive Director of the Ecology Center, argued, “California can’t afford NOT to fund this program; the cost of losing its benefits is simply too high.” The push for funding is not only about sustaining the program but also about addressing broader issues of food insecurity and health equity.

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding

The impact of Market Match extends beyond economic statistics. Iveliz Rodriguez, a consumer from San Leandro, shared her personal experience, stating, “Market Match helps me have more money to last through the month. I really depend on it.” Such testimonials underscore the program's role in improving dietary choices and quality of life for families relying on CalFresh.

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding

While the proposed budget does not currently allocate funds for Market Match, there is ongoing advocacy for its inclusion. The exact amount of funding needed and the potential for federal matching funds through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program remain topics of discussion among stakeholders.

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding

• “Market Match is a win-win- leveraging state and federal dollars to address food insecurity, health equity, and farm sustainability through local food systems,” — Martin Bourque, Executive Director, Ecology Center

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding

• “I have a 5-year-old daughter with autism. She is very picky, and this program has allowed me to buy things and explore new veggies and fruits with her. She has tried so many new things just because of Market Match, and I’m very thankful. Market Match helps me have more money to last through the month. I really depend on it,” — Iveliz Rodriguez, Market Match Consumer

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding

The future of California's farmers' markets and the health of its communities depend on the outcomes of this funding debate.

California farmers’ markets may lose crucial state funding