Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening?

The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable (CF&V) EBT Pilot Project will start again on October 1, 2026.

What is changing?

Any benefits already earned and still on your EBT card can still be used. When the program restarts, people who qualify can earn CF&V incentives again retailers that are part of the program.

Will the pilot pause again?

The CF&V pilot project resumes October 1, 2026 and will continue as long as funding is available. CDSS will share updates on their webpage if there are changes to the pilot.

Who can earn the incentive?

Anyone who currently gets CalFresh or used to get CalFresh and still has a balance of EBT food benefits, can earn CF&V benefits if they purchase eligible items at participating retailer locations.

Where can I use the incentive?

You can earn the incentive benefit only at approved stores and farmers’ markets. But once you earn it, you can spend it anywhere that accepts CalFresh EBT. Benefits you earned before can still be used anywhere CalFresh is accepted until they expire.

How much can I get?

In addition to your monthly CalFresh allotment, you may earn up to $60 in incentive benefits each month. The pilot program will match the amount you spend on fruits and vegetables, dollar for dollar. While the project is paused, participants will not receive new CF&V incentive dollars.

Do I need to sign up or complete any forms?

No, you don't need to sign up or fill anything out.

What happens if I do not spend earned benefits?

Like with conventional CalFresh benefits, CF&V incentive benefits only expire if you don't use your EBT card for food purchases for 270 days. Once they expire, you cannot get them back.

I bought eligible fruits and vegetables but did not receive new incentive benefits. Why not?

You can only earn benefits when the CF&V pilot program is operating and at participating locations. If the store was not participating or the program was paused, incentive food benefits will not be provided. The ebtEDGE app displays incentives earned during each month, but older, unspent benefits are still visible in the food benefits.

I do not have the "Month-To-Date Incentive Program Summary" listed on the ebtEDGE mobile app or cardholder portal. Does this mean the CF&V program is not available to me?

This Summary only appears if you ever made a qualifying fruit and vegetables purchase at a participating retailer. If you haven't made a purchase this month, it won't show up.