California Restarts CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Rebate Program With $20 Million State Allocation

California has officially restarted its CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program following a $20 million state budget allocation, restoring monthly fresh produce rebates for low-income households across Contra Costa County, Alameda County, and the broader state. The Center Square reported that the supplemental nutrition initiative, which provides eligible CalFresh recipients up to $60 every month to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, resumed operations after running out of money in June 2026. Prior to the summer suspension, the program had operated on a $36 million allocation approved in November 2025.

First launched in 2023 as part of California's nutrition safety net, the rebate system allows enrolled families to earn $1 back on their EBT card for every $1 spent on fresh produce at participating grocery stores and farmers markets. East Bay and South Bay Assemblymember Alex Lee noted that the program currently serves over half a million people statewide, helping working households offset rising grocery costs. In comments to The Center Square, Lee stated that our renewed investment in the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program will provide critical relief for low-income families.

Food bank directors, agricultural cooperative coordinators, and social service advocates in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Oakland praised the resumption of the dollar-for-dollar produce match. Community nutrition educators pointed out that when the rebate paused in June, many seniors and families with young children in the East Bay struggled to afford fresh seasonal produce alongside rent and utility bills. Local grocers and farmers market managers in Contra Costa County also welcomed the $20 million state funding allocation, noting that the rebates directly support regional family farms.

The California Department of Social Services and county human services boards have re-enabled the automatic cash-back mechanism on EBT point-of-sale terminals at authorized supermarkets and neighborhood markets. County social service department officials confirmed that enrolled CalFresh households do not need to submit a separate application to receive the up to $60 monthly rebate when shopping at participating locations. State legislative committee members indicated they will continue evaluating permanent funding mechanisms during the next budget cycle to prevent seasonal interruptions.

Contra Costa and Alameda county residents can view an updated directory of participating grocery stores, farm stands, and markets online at ehsd.org or cdss.ca.gov, or by calling the county benefits helpline at (877) 505-4630. Customer service representatives at county human services offices on Douglas Drive in Martinez and Broadway in Oakland are available Monday through Friday to assist families with EBT card inquiries. Questions regarding vendor enrollment for local produce sellers may be directed to the state nutrition department.