California is set to see a boost in SNAP benefits for thousands of residents following the state’s successful acquisition of $10 million in funding for the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Pilot Project.
The pilot project, which previously helped low-income Californians afford healthier food options, was discontinued in April due to the depletion of its funding. Assemblymember Alex Lee championed the new funding, emphasizing the project’s significant impact.
“The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project has positively affected tens of thousands of families,” Lee stated. “Despite facing a budget deficit, our stateβs budget prioritizes supporting social safety net programs like this one.”
This pilot project, an extension of Californiaβs SNAP program (CalFresh), provided recipients with a $1 credit on their EBT cards for every dollar spent on fruits and vegetables at participating stores. This incentive allowed up to $60 in additional benefits per month.
Finance expert Michael Ryan noted the programβs benefits: “It enabled lower-income families to buy nutritious food rather than fast food. Healthier eating habits contribute to reduced healthcare costs over time.”
The program, which had granted $10.5 million in extra benefits to 93,000 SNAP households at 85 grocery stores across California, ended when the state lost federal COVID-19 relief funding and reduced its safety net programs. This led to a reduction in monthly CalFresh benefits, dropping by $95 to $258.
The renewed funding for the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project is expected to help more Californians access healthy food options. Financial literacy instructor Alex Beene praised the development, highlighting its importance for families dealing with food insecurity amid rising grocery prices.
“Enhanced funding means more residents will qualify for CalFresh and can better provide for their families,” Beene said. “This is especially crucial during these challenging times.”
The California Association of Food Banks reports that about a quarter of households in the state face food insecurity. Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula emphasized the program’s importance for low-income families, noting the critical role of fruits and vegetables in maintaining good health, particularly for children.
To ensure the program’s longevity, Lee has also proposed Assembly Bill 3229, which aims to sustain the pilot project until 2027. “We are committed to making sure everyone has access to healthy produce, regardless of their income,” said state Senator Scott Wiener, chair of the Senate Budget Committee. “We worked diligently to protect this program during a challenging budget year.”
Beene advised Californians to apply for the benefits if they qualify and complete the necessary paperwork. “Many who qualified financially did not complete the application process, resulting in lost SNAP coverage post-pandemic,” Beene explained. “If youβre eligible, take this funding boost as a prompt to start the application process.”
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