CalFresh pilot program offers cash rebates to low-income families for fruit, vegetable purchases

A pilot program launched by CalFresh offers cash back to low-income California families on purchases of fruits and vegetables.

The initiative "provides matching dollars for families who use CalFresh EBT or the CalFresh food program," said Grecia Marquez-Nieblas, a senior manager with the nonprofit Fullwell. "For every dollar, every penny that they spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, they'll receive an automatic rebate right back.

The program is only available for a limited time, through the end of the year, for low-income residents.

CalFresh income limits range from $1,300 a month for one person up to $4,500 for a family of eight.

"Families can receive up to $60 a month in those matching funds," Marquez-Nieblas said, "buying their fresh fruits and vegetables and receiving that matching dollar."

The rebate program is available at all Mother's Nutritional Center stores in Southern California.

A complete list of stores and farmers markets participating in the program is available on the California Department of Social Services' website.