Implementing EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) at local flea market

While the rising trend in obesity rates cuts across all social classes, the prevalence of obesity is higher and the severity of consequences from obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, is greater in certain places and among particular populations. California's Latinos are disproportionately affected by obesity and its complications. Latinos disproportionately live in communities that encourage unhealthy food choices, small grocery and convenience stores with limited fresh produce and an ample variety of sweets and other snack items.

As a response to obesity epidemic, the Merced County CCROPP (Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program) implemented EBT Electronics Benefits Transfer at the local Merced and Atwater Flea Markets to increase access, availability and affordability to families receiving food stamps in Merced County, particularly Hispanic families. For centuries now, Hispanic families have shopped for produce at local flea markets, “remates,” “pulgas” or “tiangis” as part of their culture and family traditions.

One of the benefits for shopping at flea markets is the large quantity of produce that can be purchased at a very low price.

Our goal was to create healthy environments where over six thousand families convene on a weekly basis and can benefit by accessing healthy food at their local flea markets. The Merced Flea Market provides approximately forty produce vendors and has over four thousand visitors per weekend. The Atwater Flea Market provides approximately 25 produce vendors and has over two thousand visitors per weekend.