Back to California CalFresh

Dmitry Ivanov

Which stores accept CalFresh vegetable Match program? Need list for 2025

I just heard about some vegetable incentive program where CalFresh benefits go further when buying fruits and veggies. My cousin said she gets double the value at certain stores, but didn't remember which ones qualify. I've got 3 kids and we're trying to eat healthier, so this would be amazing for our budget! Does anyone know which stores in California participate in this program for 2025? Is it all grocery stores that take EBT or just specific ones? And do I need to sign up somewhere special or does it automatically work when I use my card? Thanks!!

You're thinking of the CalFresh Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) or sometimes called Market Match. Not all stores participate, but many farmers markets do, plus some grocery stores like Food 4 Less and some smaller local markets. The program gives you up to $60 extra per month when you buy California-grown fruits and vegetables. You don't need to sign up separately - it automatically applies when you use your EBT card at participating locations. Check BenefitsCal.com for the updated 2025 location list, or your county office might have a pamphlet with all participating stores.

0 coins

Thank you!! That's really helpful. I didn't realize it's only California-grown produce but that makes sense. We shop at Food 4 Less sometimes but there's also a farmers market near us on Saturdays. I'll check both! Is there a limit to how much extra you can get per transaction or is it just the $60 monthly?

0 coins

It's called Market Match at farmers markets and there are different versions at grocery stores. I've been using it for years and it's AMAZING. The farmers market near me gives dollar-for-dollar match up to $10 each visit. Some stores have different names for their programs but work the same way. I've used it at Northgate Gonzalez Markets, Food 4 Less, and Superior Grocers in Southern California. Your area might have different stores though.

0 coins

Is this the same as the EBT Restaurant Meal Program? Or something different? I get so confused with all these CalFresh bonus things.

0 coins

No, completely different programs. Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) lets homeless, elderly or disabled CalFresh recipients use EBT at approved restaurants. The veggie incentive programs like Market Match specifically give you bonus money for buying fruits and vegetables at grocery stores and farmers markets. Nothing to do with restaurants.

0 coins

I work for a community resource center and can share what I know about this program. The two main ones in California are Market Match (at farmers markets) and California's Healthy Incentive Program (at select grocery stores). As of 2025, participating retailers include: - Most certified farmers markets across California - Food 4 Less - Northgate González Markets - Superior Grocers - Selected Latino grocers - Some independent neighborhood markets The program gives you a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10-$20 per visit at farmers markets and percentage discounts at grocery stores. There's a monthly maximum benefit of $60 per household. The money appears as an instant discount when you pay with your EBT card. You can also call your county CalFresh office to get the most updated list specific to your area. Though fair warning - getting through on those phone lines can be difficult. If you're having trouble, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they can get you through to a live CalFresh worker without the wait. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

0 coins

Thank you SO much for this detailed info! I appreciate the store list - we have Food 4 Less nearby so I'll definitely try it there. And I'll check out the farmers market too. And thanks for the tip about Claimyr, I've spent hours on hold with the county office before, so that sounds really helpful.

0 coins

not all farmers markets have it!!!!! went to one in oakland last month and they told me they ran out of funding for the market match. so frustrating!!! call before u go or you waste ur time. and at the grocery stores sometimes the cashiers dont even know about the program so u have to ask for a manager

0 coins

Same happened to me! Also some farmers markets only do it certain months of the year based on when they get funding. I think the grocery store programs are more reliable.

0 coins

I've been using the Market Match program at my local farmers market for almost 2 years now and it's been really helpful for my family. The way it works is when you swipe your EBT card at the info booth, you'll get tokens or vouchers worth double what you took out (up to the limit). So if you take out $10 from your CalFresh benefits, they'll give you $20 in tokens to spend on fruits and vegetables. One important thing to remember is that at farmers markets, you can only use the matching tokens/vouchers on fruits and vegetables, not on other items like bread or prepared foods. The regular EBT tokens can be used on any EBT-eligible food. For 2025, I heard they expanded the program to more locations but each county is different. Your local 211 service might have an updated list too.

0 coins

That's so helpful to know how it actually works! I didn't realize they give tokens - that makes sense. $20 for $10 would make such a difference for getting my kids more fresh produce. Going to try this weekend!

0 coins

they change the stores every year i swear... its so annoying. i used to get it at my local mexican grocery but then they stopped. then food 4 less had it but the one by me doesnt do it anymore?? but my sister uses it at the farmers market every week no problem. wish they would just make it work at ALL grocery stores that take ebt would make more sense

0 coins

AGREE!! 100% this would be so much better if they just had it everywhere that takes EBT!!

0 coins

Does anybody know if Walmart or Target have this veggie program thing? Those are the only stores near me and I don't have a car to go to farmers markets.

0 coins

Unfortunately, as of 2025, neither Walmart nor Target participate in the California healthy incentive programs for CalFresh. The program is mostly at farmers markets and selected grocery chains like Food 4 Less, Superior Grocers, and some independent markets. You might want to check if there are any smaller grocery stores in your area that participate, as the list does expand somewhat each year.

0 coins

Quick update - I just used the program yesterday at Food 4 Less and they changed how it works for 2025. Now instead of getting tokens or a separate voucher, the discount automatically applies when you buy eligible California-grown produce. It shows up on your receipt as "CA Fresh" discount. Makes it way easier than the old system! Just make sure the produce has signs saying "CA Grown" or ask the produce manager which items qualify.

0 coins

Oh that's awesome! Automatic discounts sound much easier than dealing with tokens. I'll definitely look for the CA Grown signs. Thanks for the update!

0 coins

Just wanted to add that some WIC offices also have lists of participating stores for these programs since there's overlap between WIC and CalFresh veggie incentives. If you're already getting WIC benefits, they might have a local resource list. Also, I've noticed that some stores participate but don't always advertise it well - sometimes you have to ask customer service if they do the CalFresh veggie match program. Don't be discouraged if the first person you ask doesn't know about it, ask for a manager or someone from the EBT department. Good luck with eating healthier on a budget - these programs really do make a difference!

0 coins

California CalFresh AI

Expert Assistant
Secure