San Francisco board approves EBT agreement to support Alameda Farmers Market

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, officials discussed the continuation of electronic benefits transfer (EBT) services at the Alameda Farmers Market, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for food assistance program recipients. The meeting, held on July 4, 2025, included a motion to forward three resolutions to the full board, all of which received unanimous support from the committee members present.

One of the key resolutions involved retroactively authorizing an agreement with Fidelity National Information Services Inc. This agreement is crucial for facilitating the use of state-issued EBT debit cards at the market, ensuring that participants in federal, state, or city food assistance programs can access fresh produce and other goods. Claudia Gorham, deputy managing director of the real estate division, highlighted that the market has been accepting various forms of food assistance for over two decades, with an average of 150 to 350 EBT users each week.

The resolution aims to maintain the no-cost agreement with FIS, which manages the EBT point of sale machines at the market. This is particularly significant as it allows food stamp benefit recipients to continue utilizing their EBT cards without interruption. Gorham noted that the average spending from EBT users at the market exceeds $10,000 weekly, underscoring the economic impact of these services on both the community and local vendors.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, but no members of the public chose to speak on the items discussed. The committee's positive recommendation to the full board reflects a commitment to ensuring that food assistance programs remain accessible, thereby supporting the health and well-being of the community.

As the resolutions move forward, the anticipated approval will not only comply with state and local laws but also reinforce the county's dedication to providing nutritious food options for all residents, particularly those relying on assistance programs.