Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 6/29/26
Due to limited remaining funding, the CF&V EBT Pilot Project is expected to pause end of day June 30th.
Please earn your incentives by end of day Tuesday, June 30th, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening?
The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable (CF&V) EBT Pilot Project is expected to pause beginning July 1, 2026, During the pause, participants will no longer earn new CF&V incentive dollars when purchasing eligible fruits and vegetables at participating locations.
What is changing?
Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible participants may no longer 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.
Why is the pilot pausing?
The CF&V Pilot Project had another successful phase and funding is not currently available. Please continue to revisit this webpage to learn when new funding will be made available to restart the project.
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.
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How do I know how much I earned?
Your transaction receipt will tell you how many nutrition incentive dollars you've earned today and how much you have earned this month. All you need to use then next time is to swipe your CalFresh EBT card like you normally would.
Do the nutrition incentives that I have earned expire?
The nutrition incentives that you have earned don't expire. You can spend them next time you buy groceries. You can keep track of nutrition dollars that you have earned on your receipts or you can call the EBT Customer Service Helpline at (877) 328-9677 or go online at https://www.ebt.ca.gov/cardholder/
Can I spend the nutrition incentives that I have earned anywhere else?
You can spend your nutrition incentive dollars that you have earned anywhere you can use your CalFresh EBT card.
Can I spend my nutrition incentives that I have earned on fruits and vegetables too?
Yes, the CalFresh EBT nutrition incentive dollars that you have earned can be spent on any CalFresh EBT eligible food. That includes fruit and vegetables, bread, grains, nuts, dairy, meat, etc.
Do you have information about the pilot/program in other languages other than English?
Yes, we have information in English and Spanish about how the program works.
Do I have to earn all of the $60 maximum in one transaction?
No, you can earn nutrition incentive dollars anytime during the month to earn up to $60. The following month you will be able to earn another $60, as well as spend any nutrition incentive dollars that you have not spent from the previous months, since they carry over each month, until they are spent.
How long will this pilot program be operating?
Since this is a pilot program, it'll be available until the funds for this program runs out.
Do I have to redeem my earned benefit today?
You can redeem your earned benefits on any future transaction.
When will the nutrition incentives be available on my card?
Nutrition incentive dollars get added into your EBT card immediately after completing a qualifying purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables with your CalFresh EBT Card.
Can I earn incentives by using my eWIC card?
No, the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot Project is only for CalFresh EBT recipients.
I am a CalFresh EBT recipient, but not an eWIC recipient. Can I still shop the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot Project at your stores?
Yes, you do not have to be on the eWIC program to shop at our stores. If you are not on the eWIC program, but are a CalFresh EBT recipient, you can shop under the pilot project at our stores.
Do I have to be on eWIC to shop at your stores?
No, we are open to the public and accept: cash, credit, debit, eWIC, EBT, and P-EBT.
How can I provide input or feedback on this program?
Every time you earn incentive dollars, your transaction receipt will include information on how you can participate in a survey to provide input and feedback on the program.
All you need to do is to scan the QR code at the bottom of your receipt with the camera on your cell phone and you will be able to participate in the survey. You can also access the survey link via the EBT cardholder portal at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6941225/EBT/
Other Questions
I bought fruits and vegetables, but my receipt does not say I earned any extra benefits. Why is this?
To get the dollar for dollar match, you have to buy any FRESH fruits and vegetables on your CalFresh EBT card.
I bought $10 of fresh fruits and vegetables, but my receipt says I only earned $5. Why did I not earn $10?
You can only earn as much as you spend on your CalFresh EBT benefits, up to $60 a month. For example, if you only have $5 of CalFresh EBT benefits, you will only earn $5 of nutrition incentives. You cannot earn on anything that wasn't paid for with your CalFresh EBT card.
My receipt doesn't say I have earned any nutrition incentives, but I bought fresh fruits and vegetables. Why did I not earn any incentives?
Your receipt will show the nutrition incentives that you've earned until you reach your monthly maximum of $60. Once you reach your $60 maximum for the month, you can't earn any additional incentives, even if you buy any fresh fruits and vegetables with your CalFresh EBT benefits. However, you will be able to start earning nutrition incentives when you buy any fresh fruits and vegetables the following month.
Are purchases made with SUN Bucks eligible to receive CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot program incentive dollars?
No. Sun Bucks transactions are not eligible to earn the additional fruit and vegetable incentive. The CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot program incentives are only given when purchases are made using a CalFresh EBT card.
Can I use my CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot program incentive dollars with my SUN Bucks?
Yes. You are welcome to redeem your CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot program incentive dollars when you use your SUN Bucks card, just let a team player know at the time of purchase.