CalFresh Fruit & Veggie EBT Pilot Project
Updated 7/7/26
Great news! Additional funding has been approved for the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable (CF&V) EBT Pilot Project. While funding has been approved a restart date has not been announced.
Since the current project paused on June 30th, 2026, it will remain paused until further notice. Participants will not earn new CF&V incentive dollars during the pause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happeded?
The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable (CF&V) EBT Pilot Project paused on end of day June 30th, 2026. During the pause, participants will no longer earn new CF&V incentive dollars when purchasing eligible fruits and vegetables at participating locations.
Why is the pilot paused?
The CF&V Pilot Project is subject to funding availability. The project paused after all available funding for the current phase was used.
What is changing?
Eligible participants will not receive new CF&V incentive dollars at participating retailers and farmers' markets while the project is paused. Previously earned incentive benefits remaining on EBT cards may still be used until they expire.
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 pausing the CF&V Pilot affect my regular CalFresh benefits?
No. Your CalFresh benefits will not change because of the CF&V Pilot pause.
Will the program restart, and when?
Additional funding has been approved for the CF&V Pilot Project. However, a restart date has not yet been announced. CDSS will provide updates as more information becomes available. Please continue to check the CDSS website for the latest program information.
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How to Earn and Redeem Nutrition Incentives
Step 1
Use your Calfresh EBT card to buy any fresh fruits and vegetables at any Mother's Nutritional Center store across Southern California!
Step 2
For every $1 you spend, earn $1 back on your CalFresh EBT card, up to $60 per month.
Step 3
Spend the Fruit and Veggie EBT incentive that you have earned at on any CalFresh EBT eligible food at any EBT authorized retailer.
What is CalFresh F&V EBT Pilot Project?
The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project in partnership between UC San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Center for Community Health, Mother's Nutritional Center and the California Department of Social Services.
This project rewards CalFresh EBT participants when they purchase any fresh fruits and vegetables with their CalFresh EBT benefits at any Mother's Nutritional Center store across Southern California.
For every $1 of your CalFresh EBT that you spend on any fresh fruits and vegetables, you get $1 back on your CalFresh EBT card (up to $60 per month) that you can spend on any CalFresh-eligible food (e.g. more fruits and vegetables, bread, grains, nuts, dairy, meat, etc.).
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