New research brief explores learnings from California's Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project at farmers markets

The Nutrition Policy Institute has released a new research brief summarizing findings from an evaluation of the California Department of Social Service's California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project. The pilot project aimed to increase access to fruits and vegetables for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is commonly known as SNAP or CalFresh in California. The pilot, implemented in 2023-2024 at seven farmers markets and 87 other retail outlets such as grocery stores, provided a dollar-for-dollar match when SNAP shoppers purchased fruits and vegetables—the earned supplemental benefit could then be spent at any SNAP-authorized retailer. Findings showed that while the California Fruit and Vegetable EBT pilot project increased monthly SNAP spending at farmers markets and drew new shoppers to them, most (73%) of the supplemental EBT benefits earned at farmers markets were subsequently redeemed at other retail outlets. Shoppers appreciated the flexibility of spending benefits at any SNAP-authorized retailers and on any SNAP-eligible item—like meat, milk and eggs which often are not available or affordable at farmers markets. However, shoppers expressed frustration about long wait times at farmers markets and market staff expressed concern about increased administrative burdens of the pilot and not having adequate resources to support the program. Four of seven farmers markets withdrew before the pilot ended and 42% of shoppers at farmers markets only used the program once. Future programs should consider farmers market staffing needs and additional strategies needed to continue to incentivize SNAP shopping at farmers markets.