Bill > AB936

This bill renames the California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project to the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Supplemental Benefits Program and makes it a permanent program instead of a temporary pilot. The bill establishes a mechanism within the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system that allows CalFresh recipients to earn additional benefits when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. When CalFresh users buy fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, they will receive supplemental benefits that can be used for future purchases at authorized retailers like grocery stores, farmers' markets, and farm stands. The bill requires the Department of Social Services to allocate program funds strategically, prioritizing smaller retailers and ensuring geographic and cultural diversity. The department must also quarterly publish data on program utilization, including the number of households receiving supplemental benefits and the average amount earned. Additionally, the bill mandates an evaluation of the program's effectiveness and requires the department to develop recommendations for future improvements, including potential state management and expansion to include online transactions and grocery delivery services. The supplemental benefits are not considered entitlement benefits and will be provided only to the extent of available funding, with built-in protections to ensure the program's integrity and accessibility for CalFresh recipients.