Market Walks

Key messages: We want to make everyone feel welcomed at the FM. Encouraging them to use their CalFresh EBT dollars to purchase fresh produce. Find what they are interested in, and use that to connect with their passion. We want to get them excited about shopping at the FM, and not feel intimidated. We will do this by showing them around, and introducing local farmers to participants.

1.  Welcome

a.  Ask if this is the participants first time, if so determine how they heard about us.

i.  Invite to join us on a tour, tour could be 5-30 minutes.

ii. Tour overview-where to spend CalFresh EBT benefits and interesting facts.

iii.  Do you receive CalFresh EBT?

2.  Non-Certified vendors

a.  Non-certified definition-Typically are not farmers and resell produce or prepackaged items from distributors.

b.  Begin on the first aisle and introduce participants to what they can use their CalFresh EBT tokens on. (not just F&V, marmalade, tea, olive oil, etc.)

c.  Be sure to include, almost everything is available for purchase except hot foods.

3.  Bike Valet

a.  Start at the bike valet and introduce participant.

i.  Share with them this is a free vendor, where you can leave your bike, bags, or anything else in a secure location while you shop.

4.  Certified vendors

a.  Certified definition- farmers are able to sell crops they have grown. This has been checked and verified by the government to be certified.

b.  Begin down the aisle of fresh produce.

i.  Introduce participants to local farmers; share any interesting information about that farmer or the produce.

ii. Meet Bill the FOTM, HOTM flyer

c.  Organic definition-crops are raised without the use of most conventional pesticides, petroleum or sewage-based fertilizers, or genetically engineered materials.

5.  Interesting facts

i.  Limes are ripe when yellow, except Keefer Limes

ii. Mushrooms are hard to grow only 1 vendor at market

iii.  Beans and Rice Vendor, Coffee vendor, Frozen tamales are ok

iv.  See Fun Fact sheets for more information

6.  Tasting demo

a.  Walk participants over to CalFresh EBT tasting demo.

i.  Let them know we are here every week and will be doing demos.

7.  Closing

a.  Talk to participant if there is anything else they would like to go over.

i.  Answer any questions they may have.

ii. Ask if they found this tour to be useful.

iii.  Thank them for their time, we greatly appreciate it.

This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.