California restarts $3.2 billion CalFresh fruit and vegetable benefit program
On Oct. 16, 2026, the California Department of Social Services announced the revival of the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, a taxpayer‑funded initiative valued at roughly $3.2 billion.
The program adds up to $60 each month to the benefits of low‑income residents receiving CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to help them purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Officials say the added assistance could improve nutrition for more than half a million families while bolstering local farms.
Assemblymember Alex Lee, D‑Milpitas, said the program was restored after a $20 million cash infusion from state taxpayers replaced funds that ran out in June. The initiative previously received $36 million in November 2025, but that money was exhausted, causing a temporary shutdown.
“Our renewed investment in the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program will provide critical relief for low‑income families,” Lee said. “This program is a proven solution in making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable and reducing food insecurity.”
Originally launched in 2023, the program let CalFresh recipients earn a dollar back on their EBT card for every dollar spent on qualifying produce at participating grocery stores. Funding has been intermittent, with the latest infusion marking the most substantial state contribution to date.
Federal SNAP spending provides broader context: the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that in fiscal year 2025 the federal program supported an average of 42.1 million people per month, costing $101.7 billion, or about $188 per recipient each month. California’s supplementation aims to offset the impact of recent federal cuts.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture did not respond to inquiries, and several members of the state’s Select Committee on CalFresh Enrollment and Nutrition declined comment.
With the funding secured, the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT program is expected to resume distributing the $60 monthly supplement to eligible households, continuing its role as a model for reducing hunger and supporting the state’s agricultural sector.
