How AIM Is Handling the CalFresh Benefits Delay
What we are doing, and how you can help.
Note: Published 10/31 - This is a very fluid situation that is changing by the hour. However, we felt as an organization it was important to share what information we have. This article will be updated as we receive additional news.
Update 11/14: San Francisco CalFresh Emergency Aid GiveCards can be spent directly with any farmer or prepared food maker who accepts Visa debit cards. We cannot accept GiveCards at the AIM Information Booth.
Update 11/13: Thank you to everyone who has generously donated to the Emergency CalFresh Fund. We’re closing the fund for emergency relief, but would be just as grateful for any donations to our annual fund to support our long-term work.
Update 11/12: AIM is offering $15 vouchers at The Rollin’ Root to all EBT customers and Stonestown and Clement St. markets for EBT customers with a balance below $15.
Due to the government shutdown, CalFresh benefits will not be distributed to recipients in time for November. This means nearly 300,000 people across San Francisco, Alameda, and Marin counties will not have their anticipated dollars to feed themselves and their families.
Today a federal ruling ordered the administration to release emergency dollars to fund SNAP as soon as possible. However, these emergency reserves will not cover full benefits, and it is unclear when they will reach recipients. Hopefully households start receiving partial benefits within the next two weeks. Unfortunately, we have no clear understanding of if and when distribution will begin. People and families remain vulnerable to hunger until full benefits are awarded.
What does this have to do with AIM?
Let’s get into it.
In 2025, AIM is averaging around 1,050 EBT transactions a week, about a 10% increase from last year.
That translates to about $35,000 a week in CalFresh and Market Match benefits, or $1.6 million so far in 2025.
Those total sales equal 3.2 million servings of fruits and vegetables.
Statewide, farmers markets are on track to hit $25 million in CalFresh and Market Match sales directly to farmers in 2025.
AIM markets alone account for almost 10% of statewide farmers market EBT transactions.
What Does Losing These Benefits Mean?
Without CalFresh and Market Match, customers stand to lose 72,725 servings of produce every week. Losing $35,000 in weekly sales is also a huge hit for our farmers and producers. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, AIM’s direct-to-farmer sales model means they receive $.90 of every dollar they make at market. Compare that to $.16 through traditional sales channels. Farmers market transactions really matter to the people who grow and make your food.
Additionally, almost 90% of our CalFresh market shoppers are weekly shoppers. The Market Match program can double the money they’re able to spend on fresh produce. These customers are part of our communities and rely on the services we provide.
Losing these monetary benefits also means limiting choice. Shopping for food isn’t just about sourcing sustenance, it’s about choosing foods that nourish. That could mean culturally or diet appropriate items, or just foods that appeal to preferences and tastes. We all deserve access to food that aligns with who we are as people, not just as physical bodies.
What Is Being Done to Alleviate This?
AIM and many other organizations are actively collaborating, but we felt it was important to share what information we have.
While there is work being done at state level, additional organizational and governmental support varies among the three counties that AIM services.
California’s Governor Newsom has release $80 million to support food banks across California.
San Francisco is providing GiveCards to CalFresh recipients loaded with benefits for food: $200 for 1–2 person households, $350 for 3–4 person households, $500 for households of 5 or more.
Information on accessing these funds will be mailed to CalFresh recipients the first week of November.
Currently, these gift cards are only able to be used at grocery stores. AIM is in conversation to discuss extending these benefits to farmers markets. Update 11/14: San Francisco CalFresh Emergency Aid GiveCards can be spent directly with any farmer or prepared food maker who accepts Visa debit cards. We cannot accept GiveCards at the AIM Information Booth.
Alameda County Board of Supervisors has voted to released $10 million to the Alameda Community Food Bank as well as Meals on Wheels and other senior support services. A release date for these funds has not been determined.
Marin County Board of Supervisors is meeting Tuesday, November 4 to discuss these issues. AIM, SF-Marin Food Bank, and Extra Food will submit a letter suggesting how to use the funds for short term relief and longer term strategy.
Update 11/5: The Marin Board of Supervisors approved $800,000 in emergency response funding. AIM is working with SF-Marin Food Bank, ExtraFood, and the Feeding Workgroup on a plan to distribute these funds.
Much of the focus is directing donations to food banks to get food in people’s hands at no cost. This applies to government funds as well as private donors. Food banks are a necessary resource, but critically, do not allow for customer choice. AIM is working together with area food banks to offer CalFresh recipients multiple options. Food banks will provide direct food donations. AIM will continue to do what we do best--offer our communities choice as we work towards an equitable food system.
How Can I Help?
We’re still putting together a plan of action, but in the meantime:
Shop the market – The quickest way to get dollars into farmers’ hands. If you have extra to spend, now is the time.
Think ahead—products like nuts, oils, hot sauces, and dried fruits are great host gifts and stocking stuffers for the holiday season.
Our markets happen every week, even if it is pouring rain outside. We don’t close because our producers count on our markets for income. Please show up for our farmers as well.
Volunteer – AIM is always accepting applications for volunteers. We’re working on how to utilize volunteers specifically for this emergency need, and we will be in touch with specific asks as we set a plan.
Keep in the loop - Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates twice a month.
Donate – We’ve created AIM's CalFresh Emergency Fund specifically for immediate relief. All donations will be distributed to CalFresh program participants through The Rollin' Root and AIM's markets in San Francisco, Alameda, and Marin counties.
Update 11/5: CalFresh Emergency Fund donations will provide $15 bonus dollars to anyone with a valid EBT at The Rollin’ Root. We will continue and/or expand this program as donations allow.
Update 11/12: AIM is offering $15 vouchers at The Rollin’ Root to all EBT customers and Stonestown and Clement St. markets for EBT customers with a balance below $15.
Update 11/13: Thank you to everyone who has generously donated to the Emergency CalFresh Fund. We’re closing the fund for emergency relief, but would be just as grateful for any donations to our annual fund to support our long-term work. Your support helps our food policy work and moves us towards a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable food system.
Glossary
CalFresh - CalFresh provides low-income households with funds to purchase food. It is California’s term for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
EBT – Electronic Benefits Transfer. This is the electronic system that allows CalFresh/SNAP users to pay for food. Typically, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which functions similarly to a debit card. CalFresh/SNAP benefits are added to EBT cards at the beginning of every month.
Market Match - An incentive program which offers CalFresh recipients additional funds for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. Shoppers can match up to $15 a day at AIM markets, providing up to $30 for produce purchases. The Rollin’ Root offers unlimited matching. Market Match is a program specific to California, though similar programs exist in other states under different names.
SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP provides low-income households with funds to purchase food. This is the federal version of CalFresh, formerly known as food stamps.
In summary:
CalFresh/SNAP recipients use their EBT card to make food purchases. Market Match will match up to $15 a day for farmers market produce purchases. Market Match offers unlimited matching at The Rollin’ Root.