Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening?

The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable (CF&V) EBT Pilot Project is currently paused. During the pause, participants will no longer earn new CF&V incentive dollars when purchasing eligible fruits and vegetables at participating locations. $20 million in additional funding for operation of the CF&V Pilot was included in the California Budget Act of 2026. The CF&V EBT pilot will restart later this year.

What is changing?

Eligible participants are not receiving 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. Once the program restarts, eligible participants will again be able to earn CF&V incentives at participating locations.

Why did the pilot pause?

The pilot was paused to ensure that the CF&V incentives did not abruptly end due to lack of funding. With additional funding provided through the California Budget Act of 2026, CDSS, the CF&V grantees, and participating retailers are working together to restart the program as soon as possible.

Who is eligible?

All current and former CalFresh households with an active EBT food balance who shop at participating retailers and farmers’ markets are eligible. While the project is paused, no additional CF&V incentives will be issued. Previously earned incentive benefits remaining on EBT cards may still be used until they expire.

Where can I use the incentive?

While the incentive can only be earned at approved grocery stores and farmers’ markets participating in the pilot, once earned they can be used at any retailer that accepts CalFresh EBT cards. Previously earned CF&V incentive benefits may continue to be used anywhere CalFresh EBT benefits are accepted until the benefits expire.

How much can I receive?

You can receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $60 per month when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. 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 application or forms are required. However, while the project is paused, no new CF&V incentive benefits will be issued.

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.

Why does the ebtEDGE mobile app and cardholder portal still show Month-To-Date earned and redeemed incentives if the CF&V Pilot is paused?

The ebtEDGE mobile app and cardholder portal will continue to display $60 in maximum monthly incentives during the pause period. Earned and Redeemed incentives will stay at $0.00 until the program restarts and a qualifying purchase is made.

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

During the pause, participants will not earn new CF&V incentives. The ebtEDGE mobile app and cardholder portal will only display incentives earned during the current month. However, previously earned incentive benefits from prior months are included in the available balance for food benefits and can be spent on food purchases.

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?

The Month-To-Date Incentive Program Summary only appears if a qualifying purchase of fruit and vegetables was ever made with a qualifying retailer. If you never made a qualifying purchase at a participating retailer, it will never appear.