Confused about CalFresh 'allotted amount' for fruits and vegetables - Where can I use this benefit?

u might be talking about the CalFresh healthy bonus program? i think they give extra $ for fruits/veggies from farmers markets. my cousin gets like $40 extra a month or somthing

You're probably referring to the CalFresh Healthy Incentive Program (CHIP). This is a supplemental benefit that gives you additional funds specifically for fruits and vegetables when purchased from participating farmers markets, farm stands, and some smaller grocery stores. It's not replacing your regular CalFresh benefits - those can still be used anywhere that accepts EBT for any eligible food items. The CHIP benefit is loaded automatically on your EBT card. When you use your card at a participating location, you'll get a dollar-for-dollar match up to your monthly limit (typically $25-$60 depending on household size). So if you spend $20 of your regular CalFresh at a farmers market on fruits and vegetables, you'd get an extra $20 of CHIP funds added to your balance right there. You don't need to shop at special stores for your regular CalFresh - any grocery store that accepts EBT is fine for your main benefits.

THEY DON'T MAKE ANY OF THIS CLEAR!! When I started CalFresh in 2024 nobody told me about the extra fruit/veggie money either. Had been on benefits for FIVE MONTHS before some random lady at the farmers market explained it to me. County workers should be required to explain this stuff when they approve you!!!! You're not doing anything wrong OP, the system just SUCKS at communication.

To find participating locations, you can visit the California Department of Social Services website or call the number on the back of your EBT card to ask specifically about Market Match or CalFresh CHIP locations in your area. Many farmers markets will have signs saying they accept EBT and offer matching programs. Most counties also have a list of participating farmers markets on their websites. I'd recommend searching "[your county name] CalFresh farmers market match" to find locations near you.

I had the same issue trying to find info about the farmers market program! After multiple failed attempts calling the regular EBT number, I used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person at my county CalFresh office in about 10 minutes. They explained the whole program and emailed me a list of all participating markets in my area. Worth checking out if you're still having trouble - claimyr.com. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

btw this program has different names in different parts of california which makes it MORE confusing. some places call it Market Match, some call it Double Up Food Bucks, and others just call it EBT matching. All the same thing basically - extra $ for fruits/veggies at farmers markets. Also FYI not ALL farmers markets participate so definitely check before going.

I didn't know about this program for months either. And when I did find out it was almost IMPOSSIBLE to use because the only farmers market near me with the match program was only open Tuesdays from 10-2pm when I'm at work! So frustrating. Like they design these programs to help but make them so hard to actually use.

One more important thing to note: The incentive program (whatever it's called in your area) has a monthly cap - usually between $25-$60 depending on your household size. So for example, if your household gets a maximum of $40 in matching funds per month, and you spend $50 on fruits and vegetables at a participating market, you'd only get $40 in additional benefits, not the full $50. The match resets at the beginning of each benefit month. Also, the match only applies to fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables without added sugar, fat, or salt - not other items you might buy with your regular CalFresh.