CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot Project

AB 1811, Chapter 35, (2018), added Welfare and Institutions Code 10072.3 and created the California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project. The goal of the pilot project was to develop and refine a scalable model for increasing the purchase and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by delivering supplemental benefits to CalFresh recipients in a way that could be easily adopted by USDA FNS (Food and Nutrition Service) authorized retailers of various types, sizes, and locations in the future. The California Department of Social Services EBT, in partnership with CalFresh, the Office of Technology and Solutions Integration (OSI), and the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) awarded three grants to non-profit organizations to meet this goal.

CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project (CF&V) Update

As part of its 2025-26 Budget, the State of California has provided dedicated funding to support the relaunch of the CF&V EBT Pilot Project. Beginning as early as November 17, 2025, please confirm with individual retailers listed below on their specific start date.
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Participating Retailers and Farmers Markets:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is happening?

The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable (CF&V) EBT Pilot Project is restarting. Beginning as early as November 17, 2025, eligible CalFresh households will once again receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $60 per month when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at participating retailers and farmers’ markets. Please confirm with individual participating retailers on their anticipated start date.

What is changing?

Starting as early as November 17, 2025, incentive dollars will automatically be added to your EBT account when you use your CalFresh benefits to buy eligible fresh fruits and vegetables at participating locations. Households do not need to apply; incentives will be added at the time of purchase.

Why is the pilot restarting?

The 2025–26 State Budget included dedicated funding to relaunch the CF&V Pilot Project. This allows new and former CF&V participants to extend their benefits to access healthy fruit and vegetables with their CalFresh EBT card.

Who is eligible?

All current and former CalFresh households with an active EBT food balance who shop at participating retailers and farmers’ markets are eligible.

Where can I use the incentive?

While the incentive can only be earned at approved grocery stores and farmers’ markets participating in the pilot, once earned they can be used at any retailer that accepts CalFresh EBT cards.

How much can I receive?

You can receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $60 per month when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Do I need to sign up or complete any forms?

No. Incentives will be issued automatically when you use your CalFresh benefits to buy eligible produce at participating locations.

What happens if I do not spend earned benefits?

Once earned, incentive benefits are yours to keep. You do not have to spend down your incentives to receive additional incentives the following month.
Your CalFresh benefits, including CF&V incentive benefits, only expire if you do not make an EBT food purchase for 270 days. Once they expire, you cannot get them back.

Does restarting the CF&V Pilot affect my regular CalFresh benefits?

No. Your regular CalFresh benefits will remain the same. The CF&V incentive is a temporary, additional benefit and is not considered income for any public assistance program, including cash aid.