AB 3229, the California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project has been passed. This pilot project aims to become fully state-managed and without any grantee intermediaries.
The existing law states that this pilot project will remain in effect until January 1, 2027. A report will be necessary to see its evolution. So, there will be a transition from the California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot to a supplemental benefits program.
Ensuring food security with SNAP and the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project in CA
In case you still do not know, the former Food Stamps program is known as SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the 50 States and the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
However, it is CalFresh in the State of California. Besides, this State offered the Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project, which came to an end in the spring. It gives $1 back on each $1 of CalFresh you spend on either vegetables or fruits.
5 million Californians benefit from CalFresh, so it is a great way to have a balanced diet. After this bill has been passed, this project will probably become permanent.
Low-income families can benefit from SNAP and the Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project in CA
If you qualify for CalFresh (SNAP), you could buy healthier and more nutritious food with the the Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project. It could give you up to $60 extra per month.
What are the main benefits of the the Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project?
- it reduces food insecurity
- it provides SNAP recipients with more money
- this money will be spent on fruit and vegetables
- it improves recipients’ health
Believe it or not, reports show that almost a quarter of the households in California find it difficult to buy healthy or nutritious food due to lack of money and high prices. So, the the Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project could help deal with this issue.