The Little Hoover Commission voted to adopt a staff report recommending specific ways California can use artificial intelligence to reduce food insecurity and better serve disadvantaged residents.

Dan, the project's staff manager, summarized nine recommendations aimed at closing gaps between those eligible for CalFresh and those actually enrolled, improving the CalSAWS and EBT user experience, increasing college-student enrollment in food aid programs, expanding multilingual AI tools for immigrants and non-English speakers, analyzing reenrollment rates to boost retention, and creating grants to help small farmers adopt AI. The report also urges inclusive public "food hackathons" and creation of a food security council to coordinate the state's fragmented food-aid programs.

Commissioner Hernandez, who led the subcommittee for the report, praised staff work and framed the project as a practical example of AI addressing extreme need. Vice Chair Canela asked how grants to small farmers (recommendation 7) would feed poor people; staff explained that supporting small farms can diversify the supply and increase lower-cost, nutritious food in local markets. Dan emphasized that the recommendations are equity-focused and intended to lower barriers to aid for groups such as college students and non-English speakers.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Sidley moved to adopt the report, Vice Chair Canela seconded, and the Commission adopted the report by roll call; staff will release the formatted report.