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The UC San Diego Center for Community Health Food is Medicine Unit, within the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, in collaboration with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Fullwell, Ecology Center, Nourish California, and participating grocery stores and farmers markets across California, is advancing food security and healthy food access with the restoration of the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project (Pilot Project). backed by a $36 million state investment. This dedicated funding, the largest funding allocation in the program’s history, was championed by Senators Laura Richardson and Scott Wiener alongside Assemblymember Alex Lee and represents more than a budget victory. It is a meaningful commitment to the health and economic stability of CalFresh households across California. 

The Pilot Project allows participating CalFresh recipients to earn dollar-for-dollar rebates of up to $60 per month when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores and farmers markets. By directly integrating nutrition incentives into the CalFresh system, the program removes common barriers such as vouchers or separate enrollment, making healthy choices easier at the checkout lane. 

The social impact is immediate and measurable. At a time when nearly one in five California families is experiencing food insecurity, this program helps households stretch their CalFresh benefits while improving access to healthy foods. Since restoration of the Pilot Project in mid-November 2025, the program has served more than 58,000 households statewide, delivering over $4.5 million in supplemental food benefits. 

The economic impact is equally powerful. Nutrition incentives increase produce sales, stabilize neighborhood grocery stores, and support California farmers, creating a ripple effect through local economies. With 92 retail locations statewide, including 82 Mother’s Nutritional Center stores in southern California, the program strengthens the food retail ecosystem in communities that need it most.

This historic $36 million investment ensures that the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project continues to serve as a national model, demonstrating that smart, targeted nutrition policy can improve health outcomes, reduce hunger, and drive economic resilience across California.