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Committee clears bill to link Cal Grant process with CalFresh outreach for college students
Summary
SB 761 would streamline CalFresh outreach by allowing students to receive eligibility notices through the Cal Grant (WebGrants) portal and expand programs-of-study recognized for CalFresh employability exemptions; committee approved the measure as amended.
Sen. Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, proposing two primary changes: enable students completing the Cal Grant (WebGrants) process to receive a notification that they may be eligible for CalFresh benefits, and expand the list of qualifying programs of study that can satisfy CalFresh work/training exemptions for students. "SB 761 expands the programs of study that increase students' eligibility for CalFresh, as well as creating the notification system," the author said, describing the measure as designed to reduce administrative barriers.
Witnesses described student food insecurity and the bill's role in improving access. Ally Dumas of the Junior League of Sacramento noted research linking food insecurity to reduced graduation rates and said the bill would make it easier for students to learn about and apply for CalFresh. Erika Cervantes of Alliance for a Better Community said the measure would allow students to "opt in for eligibility screening through their Cal Grant application, reducing barriers, and connecting them to food assistance early on." Several state and nonprofit organizations, including No Kid Hungry, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California, California Competes and the Student Aid Commission, registered support.
Committee members questioned technical implementation. Members asked when in the Cal Grant process the notice would appear and whether the outreach would occur at application, award, or WebGrants account setup. Alex Zuko of the Student Aid Commission explained the notification would appear when students set up their WebGrants account after being told they could be eligible; students would then be able to opt in to a data-sharing arrangement to enable eligibility validation, including the student selecting a school so county-level services could be applied. The author and witnesses emphasized the notice would be an invitation to contact county CalFresh staff, not an automatic enrollment.
Supporters described warm handoffs used in county pilot efforts. Committee discussion referenced a Compton College model in which students are connected in person to county staff and participation rose significantly. The committee accepted amendments clarifying the process and the bill was moved as amended to the Senate Human Services Committee.
What happens next SB 761 as amended advances to the Senate Human Services Committee for policy and fiscal consideration; the author said she accepted the staff technical amendments and the bill's implementation details will require coordination among the Student Aid Commission, CDSS and county social services offices.
