California restarts $3.2B CalFresh fruit and vegetable program

California has restarted the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program following a $20 million infusion of taxpayer funds. The program, which had run out of funding in June, provides CalFresh recipients with up to an additional $60 per month specifically for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Launched in 2023, the initiative allows recipients to earn $1 back on their EBT cards for every $1 spent on fresh produce at participating grocery stores. Assemblymember Alex Lee noted that the program serves over half a million people and aims to reduce food insecurity as federal anti-hunger programs face budget cuts.