Implementing EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) at Local Flea Markets PRESENTED BY CLAUDIA G. CORCHADO SYMPOSIUM ON FOOD SYSTEMS & PUBLIC HEALTH

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1 Implementing EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) at Local Flea Markets PRESENTED BY CLAUDIA G. CORCHADO SYMPOSIUM ON FOOD SYSTEMS & PUBLIC HEALTH

2 Central California stretches almost 300 miles. California s Central Valley It s home to more than 3.8 million residents. The population is expected to more than double Our families represent over 70 ethnicities and speak over 105 languages making it one of the most culturally diverse areas in California and the nation.

3 Overweight & Obesity 1 out of 3 children, <12 years of age, are overweight and obese 17.2% of adolescents, ages 12-17, are overweight and obese 64.3% of adults, ages 18-64, are overweight and obese 62.9% of adults age 65 and over are overweight and obese Source UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, 2003; 2007; 2009

4 Our Approach We believe that in order for community members to apply healthy eating and active living they need the environmental context t and policy support to practice these behaviors.

5 Access to Healthy Food Maximizing EBT & WIC at Alternative Food Outlets Merced and Atwater Flea Markets Ceres Farmers Market Madera Farmers Market Kern County Department of Public Health farmers market

6 Access to Healthy Food School Farm Markets/Stands Farmers Market at Burroughs Elementary School Pixley Elementary School Fruit and Vegetable Stand

7 Access to Healthy Food Small Store Conversion Youth in Kettleman City transformed their only small store, the Hla Hla Market. Good quality affordable produce is now available.

8 What is EBT? Electronic Benefits Transfer The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program was established in A Food Stamp recipient can authorize the transfer of their benefits using an electronic mechanism. Eliminating the old paper food stamp books Offers more privacy for the recipient. Offers more privacy for the recipient. Looks and acts like an ATM or Credit Card.

9 Establishing EBT at Flea Markets Why Flea Markets? For centuries now, Hispanics, Hmong and other multicultural families have shopped for produce at local flea markets. For Hispanic families, flea markets are known as remates, pulgas or tiangis and are a part of their culture and traditions.

10 Corner Stores and Mini-Markets Do not offer healthy food options Alcohol Cigarettes Soda Junk Food Milk Bread

11 Why Not Farmers Markets? Do not understand Organic Believe cost of produce may be more expensive May not accept EBT or WIC Language g Barriers

12 Flea Markets Offer Same Benefits as Farmers Markets Variety of Vendors Variety of Culturally-Appropriate Food More Produce for Your Dollar Merced and Atwater, California Flea Markets

13 10 -Step Process to Establishing EBT at Local Flea Market

14 Step 1: Establishing Relationship Establish relationship flea market Owner/Manager. Healthy environments=healthy choices Decrease obesity Increase number of vendors Increase number of customers Increase in sales Families on Food Stamps benefit Positive feedback from community Great press/media coverage

15 Step 2: Meeting the Requirements A Farmers Market within a flea market must: Sell food for home preparation and consumption Meet the United States Department of Agriculture eligibility requirements Qualify for a Food & Nutrition Service Number Example: Central Valley Farmers Market located within the Merced/Atwater Flea Market Form a Farmers Market Business Association before applying to the USDA

16 Step 3: Get Organized ➊ Copy of Business License, photo ID and Social Security Card. ➋ Centralized Office (POS) Electricity it and Phone Line (Wireless EBT coming soon). ➌ Complete the USDA Application (Call ). 823 It takes approximately 45 days to process applications. ➍ Designate staff to process EBT requests ➍ Designate staff to process EBT requests. Consider someone who is bilingual and can best meet the needs of customers.

17 Step 4: Identify a Cashier Identify one to two qualified individuals. Can help to reduce fraudulous situations. Special note: Many EBT machines have dual purposes and can be used to accept both food stamps (EBT) and debit or credit card payments.

18 Step 5: Establish Currency System Scrip is used as a form of currency (i.e. wooden tokens) Customer requests certain dollar amount of tokens. Customers then take those tokens to each of the vendors as form of payment. At the end of the day, the vendor cashes in their wooden tokens for cash at the designated darea of the produce market. A market must have its scrip approved by the California i Department t of Social Services (CDSS) before they can participate in the Farmers Market Program. Visit: for more information

19 Step 6: Design, Create and Order Scrip We suggest the wooden tokens as the form of the Scrip, as they are personalized to your market and are less likely to be counterfeited than paper.

20 Step 7: Educate Produce Vendors Educate all produce market vendors in token redemption rules and procedures. This is an ongoing process as vendors may change weekly. Make sure you have staff who are bilingual.

21 Step 8: Promote the EBT Acceptance Promote your project at the produce market! Send press releases to your local media. Obtain and post big laminated EBT signs at your market sites. The California EBT Project provides these signs in English and Spanish. Downloadable versions are available at along with many other promotional resources.

22 Step 9: Partner With Other Organizations Partner with other organizations such your Human Services Agency-Food Stamp Program. WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Nutrition Network programs at your local schools Utilize your local bilingual radio stations to help educate the public on food stamp eligibility.

23 Example of Partnership Binational Health Week Held at the Merced Flea Market O l h Over 3,000 people went thru our Health Fair and over 300 People received health screenings.

24 Step 10: Celebrate Your Success Celebrate your Success on creating another Healthy environment in your community!

25 Contact Information Claudia G. Corchado Community Project Coordinator Livingston Medical Group (209) x103 Visit us on the web at:

26 Thank You Working together, we can create healthier communities in our neighborhoods. The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program is funded d by: