Bill > AB2153

This bill establishes the California Fruit and Vegetable Supplemental Benefits Expansion Program, which would expand a pilot program that provides additional funds (referred to as "supplemental benefits") to CalFresh recipients when they purchase California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables using their CalFresh benefits. The bill would create the California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Expansion Fund to provide grants to enroll authorized retailers, including both large and small grocery stores as well as direct-to-consumer outlets like farmers' markets, to offer these supplemental benefits. The bill also requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to conduct audits to ensure the supplemental benefits are only provided for the purchase of California-grown produce, and to develop a grant program to support authorized retailers participating in the program. The overall intent is to increase the purchasing power of low-income Californians for fruits and vegetables, improve health outcomes, and support the state's agricultural economy.