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CalFresh outreach for students advanced by Assembly committee as bill cleared to Appropriations
Summary
SB 761 would connect Cal Grant applicants with information about potential CalFresh eligibility to increase student enrollment in nutrition benefits; supporters cited high student food insecurity and low CalFresh take-up.
Senator Ashby presented SB 761 to the Assembly Human Services Committee. The bill would create a process to notify students who apply for state financial aid (Cal Grants) that they may be eligible for CalFresh and provide direction on how to apply.
Supporters told the committee that food insecurity is widespread among college students and that lack of awareness, not eligibility, often prevents students from enrolling in CalFresh. Kevin Bibiano of the UC Student Association cited a 2024 UC survey finding that 48% of UC undergraduates experienced some level of food insecurity and said only about 22% of eligible UC students are enrolled in CalFresh. Carol Gonzales of the Southern California College Attainment Network (SoCalCan) said CalFresh can substantially reduce students' non-tuition costs in combination with financial aid and urged the committee to pass the bill.
Multiple higher-education and anti-hunger organizations testified in support, including the University of California, Cal State Chancellor's office representatives, the Community College League of California, California Association of Food Banks, No Kid Hungry, county welfare directors and local governments. No witnesses testified in opposition.
The committee voted to pass SB 761 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The author said she accepted committee amendments and thanked cosponsors and stakeholders.
Votes at a glance: the committee passed SB 761 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee (final vote: 7–0).
