The state of California is adding SNAP benefits for handfuls of citizens, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a new bill that was designed to ensure food security within the state. Hundreds of people qualify to receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which makes it easier for low-income Americans to purchase nutritious foods and prevent them from going hungry throughout the year. SNAP is known as CalFresh in the state of California and serves nearly 5 million residents.
The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefit Transfer Pilot increased benefits for California residents who use SNAP by providing $1 back on EBT cards for every $1 of CalFresh benefits spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. The program ended in April after running out of money, but after AB 3229 was passed, the state will look into making the pilot program permanent.
What’s Expected From the AB 3229 Act
“AB 3229 will ensure a long-term solution to convert the CalFresh fruit and vegetable pilot program into a permanent program so that CalFresh beneficiaries can continue to benefit from supplemental benefits,” California Assemblyman Alex Lee said in a statement. . “It’s even more important when CalFresh families already saw their benefits decline when federal COVID-19 aid for additional CalFresh benefits ended last year.”
“This is great news for those who qualify, as it not only continues a necessary program for low-income families, but also promotes healthier food options,” said Alex Beene, financial education instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Lee was the first to introduce the legislation, which allowed SNAP recipients to get up to an extra $60 for nutritious food every month.
Some Advantages of the Pilot Plan for Calfresh Beneficiaries
“The CalFresh electronic benefit transfer pilot project for fruits and vegetables is highly effective in addressing food insecurity,” Lee said in a statement. “It has provided tens of thousands of Californians with healthier, more nutritious food. “AB 3229 is part of my broader efforts to ensure this program continues to benefit the most vulnerable Californians.”
The CalFresh fruit and vegetable program was initially launched in 2023, but as the pilot ran out of funds, Lee took on the task of raising $10 million to reactivate the program. “The benefit provides a dollar-for-dollar benefit for those who qualify on the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Kevin Thompson, financial expert and founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group. “This helped beneficiaries spend money on healthier options that are considered to reduce harmful health outcomes.”
Under Ab 3229, the State Must Evaluate the Pilot Program and Plan to Transition the Project to a Permanent Offering in California
The California Department of Social Services must submit a report to the legislature by July 1 of the following year, outlining the steps to follow in order to make the pilot a long-term program. “With the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program, California has a great program that reduces hunger, improves health and supports California’s agricultural economy,” said Eli Zigas, CEO of Fullwell, which is a sponsor of AB 3229, in a statement.
“We are grateful that Assemblyman Alex Lee, along with his colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Newsom, see the value in this program and want a plan from the Department of Social Services to expand it in the near future. “The passage of AB 3229 is a positive step to accelerate the growth of the reach and impact of this program.”
About a quarter of the state’s households report having trouble obtaining affordable or healthy food in 2024, according to the California Association of Food Banks.