San Diego

California restarts $3.2 billion CalFresh fruit and vegetable benefit program

California has renewed funding for the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program, providing up to $60 monthly for fresh produce to low-income residents.

Oct 21, 2026, 9:25 AM By the Genius Eye newsroom (City Reporter) · Fact-checkedHow we report

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/donabelandewen/ / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefit Transfer Program has resumed operations after running out of funds in June, according to the Times of San Diego.

California taxpayers approved a $20 million cash infusion to supplement the program, which is part of the broader $3.2 billion CalFresh initiative, the state's version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The program provides CalFresh recipients with up to an additional $60 each month to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, aiming to improve access to healthy food options for low-income families.

Assemblymember Alex Lee, D-Milpitas, highlighted the importance of the program in reducing food insecurity and making nutritious food more affordable, especially as federal anti-hunger programs face cuts.

The renewed investment signals California's commitment to supporting food assistance despite federal reductions, benefiting residents across the state, including those in the San Diego area.

Sources

Times of San Diego: Taxpayer-funded $3.2 billion fruit, vegetable program restarts

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