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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

I work at a local food pantry and want to add some practical tips! When you're shopping at participating stores, keep in mind that organic produce usually qualifies too if it's CA grown - sometimes the organic section has better selection for the program. Also, some stores have seasonal changes to what qualifies, so apples might work in fall but not summer depending on when CA apples are harvested. One more thing - if you're planning to use the program regularly, it helps to shop early in the month since some stores have monthly funding limits and can run out of matching funds toward the end of the month. I've seen families disappointed when they tried to use it on the 28th and the store had already hit their monthly cap. The farmers markets tend to be more reliable for having funds available all month long.

I've been using these programs for about a year now and wanted to share a few more resources that might help! The California Department of Social Services has a "Store Locator" tool on their website that's pretty up-to-date for 2025. You can search by zip code to find participating stores near you. Also, if you have kids in school, sometimes the school nutrition programs have partnerships with local stores - my daughter's school sent home a flyer last fall with a list of nearby participating markets. One thing I learned the hard way - some stores require you to buy a minimum amount (like $5) of produce before the matching kicks in, while others will match even $1 purchases. The farmers markets are usually more flexible about small purchases. Also, if you're shopping with kids, the matching programs work great for letting them pick out fruits they're excited to try since you're getting more bang for your buck! My kids love going to the farmers market now because they know they can choose extra treats like berries or stone fruits that would normally be too expensive.

I'm new to CalFresh and just found out about these veggie programs - this thread is incredibly helpful! I had no idea there were so many different stores and markets that participate. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the farmers markets might be the most reliable option, even though I was initially worried about them being more expensive. The automatic matching at stores like Food 4 Less sounds really convenient too. One question - does anyone know if the program works for frozen California-grown vegetables too, or is it just fresh produce? Sometimes frozen is more practical with kids since it doesn't go bad as quickly. Also wondering if there are any apps that help track which stores near you participate, since it seems like the participating locations change pretty frequently. Thanks to everyone for sharing so much useful information!