A CalFresh program has relaunched in November to make healthy fruits and vegetables more affordable.
With $10 million in new state funding secured by Assemblymember Alex Lee, the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefits Transfer Pilot Project is live with over 90 grocery stores across California participating in the program.
“I’m proud to see that the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project is up and running again,” said Assemblymember Lee. “It is an effective and scalable solution to addressing food insecurity. That’s why I worked hard to secure $10 million in state funding to revive this important program. As Chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, I’ll keep fighting to ensure that all Californians have access to nutritious food.”
The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot has served as a critical source of supplemental benefits for individuals and families. For every $1 of CalFresh benefits spent on any fresh fruits and vegetables at a participating retailer, CalFresh recipients get $1 back on their EBT card to spend on any CalFresh-eligible food for up to $60/month. Currently, 92 grocery stores statewide and a farmers’ market in Southern California are offering supplemental benefits through the program.
The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot first launched in 2023, but the program ended in April as it was so popular that funding ran out much sooner than expected. In total, it has served at least 93,000 households and provided $10.5 million in rebates.
As the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot is operational once again, the program will help families make ends meet with extra CalFresh benefits. That’s much needed food dollars at a time when over 20% of families in California are experiencing food insecurity, and the annual health care costs associated with food insecurity totals more than $7 billion annually.
“For families in need, the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot is a lifeline,” said Lupe Lopez, owner of Arteaga’s Food Center, a grocery store chain that is partnering with Fullwell to provide supplemental benefits at four locations in the South Bay. “Having access to fresh, nutritious food keeps their loved ones healthy and helps prevent serious illnesses. It’s about dignity, care, and the hope of a healthier future for their families.”
Lee represents the 24th Assembly District which includes the cities of Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose, and the community of Sunol. He is Chair of the Human Services Committee, the Select Committee on Social Housing, and the Legislative Progressive Caucus. Assemblymember Lee serves on the Budget Committee, the Committee on Housing and Community Development, the Committee on Labor and Employment. https://a24.asmdc.org/
