Can I still get the $60 fruit and vegetable incentive with less than $60 on my CalFresh EBT card?

The fruit and vegetable incentive programs (usually called CalFresh Healthy Savings or Market Match) don't require you to have the full $60 on your card. They match what you spend up to the program maximum. So with $27, you'd be able to get up to $27 in matching funds for eligible produce. Different counties and farmers markets have slightly different rules though - some do dollar-for-dollar matching while others might do 50% matching.

i used the match program last month at the downtown farmers market!!! they gave me tokens for whatever i spent on my ebt like 1 for 1 so u should get 27$ in tokens if thats what u have left but u gotta spend it all there at that market that same day cnat save the tokens

This is likely the Market Match program or something similar. Here's how it typically works: 1. You can use whatever amount you have on your EBT card 2. The program matches your purchase up to their limit (often $10-$20 per day or visit, sometimes higher for special promotions) 3. You don't need $60 to get the match - they match based on what you spend 4. Most programs are available every time you shop (daily or weekly limits apply) 5. The match is usually given as tokens or vouchers you use that same day Check which specific program your county is offering because the details vary. Some are available at farmers markets, others at specific grocery stores.

Not sure if this helps but EVERY TIME i tried to use the market match thing at my farmers market the EBT machine was down or they ran out of tokens!!! So frustrating. I called the county sooo many times about it and just got stuck in automated systems. Finally found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person at the county office (claimyr.com) and they helped me find a different market that always has the program available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. So maybe try calling to confirm which markets/stores actually have the program working before you go!

Ok but can we talk about how RIDICULOUS it is that they don't clearly explain these programs?? I've been on CalFresh for 3 years and just found out about the matching program TWO MONTHS AGO because some random cashier mentioned it!!! The county NEVER tells us about these benefits directly. I could have been getting extra produce money this whole time!!!!

i think evry farmers market does it differnt. at mine they capped it at $20 match but the big one downtow did $40 last month. also some grocery stores like Food 4 Less do a similar thing with there app

Thanks everyone for the super helpful responses! I'm going to try using what I have left this weekend at the farmers market and then use more next month when my benefits reload. Really appreciate all the information about how the matching works!

I just want to add that I was confused about this too so I asked when I recertified last month. The eligibility worker told me that for most of these programs, you can use the benefit multiple times throughout the month until you reach their maximum. So if there's a $60 monthly maximum and you spend $27 now, you could potentially use another $33 in matching funds later in the month if your benefits reload. Not all programs work this way though!

Just wanted to share that I work at a community health center and we actually have printed flyers about these incentive programs that we give to our CalFresh clients! If you're having trouble finding info, try asking at local health clinics, food banks, or WIC offices - they usually have the most up-to-date information about which markets and stores participate. Also, some programs reset weekly instead of monthly, so you might be able to use the match multiple times. The lack of clear communication from the county is definitely frustrating, but these community organizations are usually more helpful with the details.