CalFresh Fruit and Veggie EBT Program Ending June 30, 2026: Double Up will continue at La Princessa markets
On June 30, 2026, the CalFresh Fruit and Veggie EBT Pilot will end across California. The funding for this pilot program has run out because it is very popular and efficient at getting extra dollar directly into the pockets of California families. The program may restart if California state leaders provide additional funding in the 2025-2026 California Budget which will be signed by July 2026.
Double Up Food Bucks will continue at La Princessa markets and will not be affected because funding for that program comes from a different state grant. All CalFresh shoppers will continue receiving an instant discount when purchasing California-grown fruits and veggies at La Princessa.
Grid of produce in plastic bins stacked horizontally on shelf in grocery store
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening to the Fruit and Veggie EBT Program?
The CalFresh Fruit and Veggie EBT Program will pause on June 30, 2026. No bonus dollars will be available after June 30 when purchasing fresh fruits and veggies.
What about Double Up Food Bucks? Will it also end?
Double Up will NOT end on June 30. This program is funded through a grant within the CA Department of Food and Agriculture so it will continue without interruption.
What does that mean? What is changing?
If you buy fruits and vegetables with your CalFresh dollars at Santa Fe Foods in Salinas, CA you won’t receive any bonus dollars after June 30. You can still use CalFresh/EBT like you did before the program started. If you buy California grown fruits and vegetable at La Princessa you will still get a discount and nothing will change.
Why is the CalFresh Fruit and Veggie EBT Program ending?
The money to run the program was limited, it came from the 2025-26 California state budget, and is running out because the program is very popular.
Will the CalFresh Fruit and Veggie EBT Program restart?
The program could restart soon if the California legislature and Governor approve more funding in the 2025-2026 budget. If funding isn’t approved this summer the program could restart at a later time when more money to run it is made available.
When will we know if the CalFresh Fruit and Veggie EBT Program will restart?
We will have more information when the California state budget is finalized, at the end of June 2026.
What happens to the incentive dollars I earn before June 30th?
Any dollars you earn will be available on your EBT card, as long as your CalFresh account is active, until you spend them on any CalFresh eligible items.
Will the incentive dollars I earn get taken back?
No, any money you earn or earned before June 30th will stay on your EBT card, as long as your CalFresh account is active, until you spend them.
My family is hungry and we were relying on this program. What do we do now?
If you are not already using Double Up Food Bucks at La Princessa markets, consider using the program! This program provides a 50% off discount when you buy California-grown fruit and veggie at La Princessa!
If you need emergency food assistance - please visit: Food 2-1-1 Monterey County. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week AND is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
The project is made possible by AB 1811 (2018) and supported by the California Department of Social Services.
For more background, visit SPUR’s website.
