Projects of the East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market

The East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market is proud to be more than just a market. Integral to our mission is the goal to provide direct access to healthy, fresh produce. Reflecting the strength and vibrancy of the community in which we operate, our various projects seek to extend this access in an inclusive and friendly way. Our projects include:

Backyard Gardener Network
This free and new network of gardeners in and around East Palo Alto provides resources, community and learning for people interesting in learning how to grow their own food. Members enjoy the benefits of using a full-scale greenhouse in East Palo Alto, network social gatherings, gardening tips and seminars, tool sharing, and the opportunity to sell their pride at joy at the Market. Anybody can join, no matter your preexisting skills or knowledge about gardening. For more information on the network, please click here.

EBT/food stamps, WIC and Senior FMNP checks
We accept EBT/food stamps, WIC and senior FMNP checks at every market day, at every eligible market vendor. Note that these payment methods are only valid for certain market items (mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, and some other items for EBT/food stamp customers). For more information, click here.

EPA Fresh Checks
Through a generous donation from the Brin Family Foundation, and in partnership with Collective Roots, the Market accepts EPA Fresh Checks--vouchers for $5 in value that can be redeemed for fruits and vegetables at the Market. EPA Fresh Checks are distributed at various organizations throughout the community, with the goal of making fresh and healthy produce more affordable for families. In addition, customers who use their food stamps/EBT, WIC FMNP checks, or senior FMNP checks at the market can receive one EPA Fresh Check per market day, valued at $5. For more information, please click here.

Food Justice Leaders
Food Justice Leaders is a paid internship program for youth in San Mateo County interested in agriculture, business, community work and public health. Four youth from in and around East Palo Alto work with the Market during the summer: two as Market Leaders, and two as Garden Leaders. The Garden Leaders grow produce here in EPA, and sell it at the Market. Market Leaders assist with all Market operations, and are an integral part of our community outreach. To learn more about the Market's Food Justice Leaders, click here.

Silicon Valley Health Corps
The East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market is pleased to partner with the Health Trust in establishing the Silicon Valley Health Corps, a program that seeks to increase youth and adults’ knowledge of healthy behaviors and fresh produce consumption through the development of community and school based gardens and farm-to-school programs (and the distribution of that produce through innovative channels such as our very own farmers' market).

For more information about the program, please visit the Silicon Valley Health Corps website.