How does CalFresh fruit and vegetable incentive program work? Cash or EBT rebate?

It's called CalFresh Healthy Bonus and it works differently depending on where you shop. At participating farmers markets, you typically swipe your EBT card at the market info booth and they'll give you matching funds (usually up to $10-20) in the form of tokens or vouchers to spend right there that same day. At grocery stores that participate (like Food4Less), you buy the eligible produce with your EBT, and the bonus gets automatically added back to your EBT card within 3-5 days, usually 50% of what you spent on fresh produce up to a monthly limit (around $60 in most counties). The program expanded in 2025, so more stores are participating now. Hope that helps!

its not cash u never get cash from ebt lol. its just more food benefits added back to ur card. my store does it automatically but u have to register at the farmers market

This program is SO CONFUSING and the county workers can't even explain it right!!! I tried asking my eligibility worker about it when I did my recertification last month and she had NO CLUE how it worked. Then I called the customer service number on my EBT card and was on hold FOR AN HOUR just to be told to check with each store. WHY can't they make this simple? I've been on CalFresh for 3 years and I only learned about this benefit by accident when I saw extra money on my card last month after shopping at Northgate Market.

It's important to note that this program has specific name variations by location. In many counties, it's called Market Match at farmers markets, while the grocery store version might be called California Healthy Bonus or CalFresh Plus depending on your county. The benefit limit increased to $60/month at participating grocery stores starting January 2025, but you need to purchase at least $120 in fresh produce monthly to get the full benefit since it's a 50% match. Also, not every store participates, and there's no centralized list, so you often need to ask at each location or look for signage. The farmers market tokens usually expire within the same market season, while grocery rebates typically appear within 72 hours and don't expire as long as you use your EBT card at least once every 9 months.

This benefit is absolutely worth taking advantage of! I've been using it at our local farmers market for nearly a year now and it's increased the quality of food I can provide for my family. Just remember that most farmers markets require you to get the tokens/vouchers BEFORE you shop - go to the main info booth first and tell them you want to use your EBT and participate in Market Match. One thing to watch out for: at grocery stores, only fresh produce counts, not frozen, canned, or pre-prepared foods (like those pre-made salads).

btw if u dont use all ur tokens at the farmers market they dont go back on ur card u just save them for next time thats what i do

Just wanted to add that some counties also have special events where they boost the matching rate! I went to a "Double Up Day" event at the Santa Monica farmers market last month where they were doing 100% matching up to $40 instead of the usual $20. They announced it on their Facebook page a few days before. Also, if you're shopping at chain stores, Whole Foods and some Ralphs locations participate too - you can usually tell by looking for the "CalFresh Healthy Living" decals near the produce section. The program really has expanded a lot since I first heard about it in 2023!