Saturday June 9th Cal Fresh Bonus Day!

The Santa Rosa Farmers Market working with Sonoma Alliance for Veggie Outreach Revolution (SAVOR) and with a grant from Slow Food Russian River is able to offer our CAL-Fresh shoppers a bonus of $5 on every $15.

A study released in May commissioned by the Kellogg Foundation found that Americans support the “doubling of food stamps” when used at farmers markets.  A Republican presidential primary candidates sought to insult President Obama by calling him “the food stamp President.”   It appears most Americans think that is a compliment.

In Sonoma County less than half of the eligible population is signed up for CAL-FRESH.

From the Healdsburg Patch

According to health advocates, the $15 million left unspent in county aid means more spending long-term to counteract poor health.

“Some of our most significant health problems are directly related to what people eat,” said Mary Maddux-Gonzalez, a Redwood Community Health Coalition medical officer.

Officials hope that a recent redesign of CalFresh will make it easier for low income populations to access the program. Rather than requiring several in-person visits, recipient can apply online, and be aided by several local centers.

If you know someone who is receiving CAL-FRESH benefits, please let them know  Saturday is bonus day at the Santa Rosa Farmers Market at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts 8:30- 1pm.

If you know someone who should be receiving CAL-FRESH benefits -please tell them it is easy to apply online or in person at one of several locations through-out the county.