by California — CalFresh recipients in California can now receive an additional $60 per month to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, following the relaunch of a pilot program designed to improve nutrition for low-income families. The initiative, spearheaded by Assemblyman Alex Lee (D-Milpitas), is part of a broader effort to combat food insecurity amid federal SNAP cuts.
Program Funding and Goals
Assemblyman Alex Lee, chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, secured $36 million in state funding to restart the program. The Legislature approved the funding as part of the 2025–26 state budget and the California general fund, according to Lee’s office and the California Department of Social Services.
Lee highlighted the program’s impact in a press release:
“The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program is a lifeline for those living paycheck to paycheck. By investing in this program, we are taking an important step to ensure low-income Californians can afford fresh and healthy meals.”
The program’s relaunch comes as cuts to the federally-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, are projected to eliminate 6 to 9 billion meals annually, according to Feeding America, a national network of food banks and meal programs.
How the Program Works
First launched in 2023, the program allows CalFresh recipients to receive $1 back on their EBT card for every $1 spent on fresh produce at participating grocery stores. With the holiday season approaching, the relaunch aims to help an estimated 230,000 Californians afford nutritious meals.
Lee added in a statement to The Center Square:
“By putting real dollars back into people’s pockets, this program provides a scalable solution to reducing hunger. I’ll be working to secure additional funding so that families can continue to benefit.”
Community and Retail Impact
The program is expected to benefit both CalFresh recipients and participating grocery retailers, according to local operators.
Elise Dang, senior operations manager for the Northeast L.A. Farmers Market, part of Food Access L.A., told The Center Square:
“This program really helps neighborhoods that are especially rent-burdened or have a higher cost of living. It’s kind of an instant rebate on the EBT card, allowing families to stretch their benefits further.”
Other participating grocery retailers include Arteaga’s Food Center, Santa Fe Foods, Harvest Market, and Mother’s Nutritional Center.
CalFresh and SNAP Context
In 2024, 41.7 million people nationwide received SNAP benefits, with federal funding totaling $99.8 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The average monthly benefit was $187.20 per recipient.
In California, administering CalFresh in 2020–21 cost $2.1 billion, funded through $1 billion in federal dollars, $740 million from the state general fund, and $290 million from county funds, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office.
Looking Ahead
With the relaunch of the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program, California is taking proactive steps to address food insecurity, improve nutrition, and support low-income communities during a time of rising costs and federal SNAP reductions.
Would programs like this help improve nutrition and food access in your community? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
