SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a $23 million investment to expand access to fresh California-grown fruits and vegetables for residents who receive food assistance through CalFresh, the Women, Infants and Children program and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
The funding will be distributed through the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Farm to Fork and is intended to connect eligible Californians with locally grown produce while supporting farmers and local markets.
“California continues stepping up to ensure that every Californian has access to locally grown fruits and vegetables,” Newsom said. “We’re supporting our farmers, strengthening local markets and connecting families with fresh, nutritious produce.”
Under the program, CalFresh recipients who shop at participating certified farmers markets and select retail outlets can receive incentives that increase their purchasing power for fruits and vegetables. For every dollar spent using CalFresh benefits, shoppers may receive an additional dollar to spend on qualifying produce within program limits.
State officials said the program addresses food insecurity while creating more market opportunities for California farmers. Past investments in similar incentive programs have also produced broader economic benefits, with state officials estimating that every dollar in incentives generates about three dollars in local economic activity.
Approximately $21.5 million of the funding will support 12 projects across the state that increase purchases of California-grown fruits and vegetables by CalFresh shoppers. Current nutrition incentive programs already operate at more than 280 locations statewide.
The grants will allow participating organizations to continue distributing incentives through spring 2027. Programs operate through certified farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs, mobile markets and small retailers.
Another $1.7 million will fund 11 projects connected to the Women, Infants and Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Ten of those projects will provide nutrition incentives and technical support at 121 certified farmers markets in 19 counties, including Butte County.
Officials said the investment is part of California’s broader effort to expand access to healthy food while supporting the state’s agricultural economy.