Farmers Markets would be required to accept CALFresh Electronic Benefit Transfer cards as payment in a proposal to be reviewed by Long Beach city officials.
Vice Mayor Rex Richardson, who put forth the motion along with City Council members Jeanine Pearce and Roberto Uranga, recommended the city manager explore the feasibility of the ordinance — as well as potential barriers, such as permit and licensing fees faced by farmers markets.
The proposed ordinance is a response to the Healthy Communities Policy, adopted in October 2014, which included Long Beach’s commitment to ensuring all residents have access to fresh and healthy foods within their neighborhoods.
CalFresh — a federally mandated, state-supervised and county-operated program — has provided low-income families with monthly food benefits, but they are only honored at locations that accept EBT card payments.
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