Existing law provides for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, under which supplemental nutrition assistance benefits allocated to the state by the federal government are distributed to eligible individuals by each county. Existing law requires a county welfare department to compile a list of emergency food providers and make that list available upon request.

This bill, to be known as the County Human Services Information and Referral Modernization Act of 2017, would authorize a county human services agency to refer a CalFresh applicant or recipient to the 2-1-1 dial code to access information on emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers in lieu of providing a list if the county deems that method to be the most appropriate to serve an applicant or recipient.

Existing law provides for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, under which supplemental nutrition assistance benefits allocated to the state by the federal government are distributed to eligible individuals by each county. Existing law requires a county welfare department to compile a list of emergency food providers and make that list available upon request.

This bill, to be known as the County Human Services Information and Referral Modernization Act of 2017, would authorize a county human services agency to refer a CalFresh applicant or recipient to the 2-1-1 dial code to access information on emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers in lieu of providing a list if the county deems that method to be the most appropriate to serve an applicant or recipient.

Existing law provides for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, under which supplemental nutrition assistance benefits allocated to the state by the federal government are distributed to eligible individuals by each county. Existing law requires a county welfare department to compile a list of emergency food providers and make that list available upon request.

This bill, to be known as the County Human Services Information and Referral Modernization Act of 2017, would authorize a county human services agency to provide a referral to the agency authorized by the Public Utilities Commission for the use of refer a CalFresh applicant or recipient to the 2-1-1 dial code to provide access information on emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers in lieu of providing a list if the county deems that method to be the most appropriate to serve an applicant or recipient.

Existing law provides for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, under which supplemental nutrition assistance benefits allocated to the state by the federal government are distributed to eligible individuals by each county. Existing law requires a county welfare department to compile a list of emergency food providers and make that list available upon request.

This bill, to be known as the County Human Services Information and Referral Modernization Act of 2017, would authorize a county human services agency to provide a referral to the agency authorized by the Public Utilities Commission for the use of the 2-1-1 dial code to provide information on emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers in lieu of providing a list if the county deems that method to be the most appropriate to serve an applicant or recipient.

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 323

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: 4-0, 6/13/17

AYES: Wiener, Glazer, Newman, Nguyen

NO VOTE RECORDED: Berryhill

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/22/17 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Western Center on Law and Poverty

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes county human services agencies to refer CalFresh applicants and recipients to the 2-1-1 dial code so that applicants and recipients may access information about emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers in lieu of the county providing a similar list, if the county deems the 2-1-1 method to be the most appropriate.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes in federal law the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the nation’s population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households. It establishes SNAP eligibility requirements, including income that is at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level and is determined to be a substantial limiting factor in permitting a recipient to obtain a more nutritious diet. (7 CFR 271.1; 7 CFR 273.9)
2. Establishes in California statute the CalFresh program to administer the provisions of federal SNAP benefits to low-income families and individuals meeting specified criteria. (WIC 18900 et seq.)
3. Requires county welfare departments to compile a list of emergency food providers in the area served by the local CalFresh office, and further requires the list to be updated based on information from food providers, and made available upon request, and permits the list to be used to refer individuals to emergency food sites, as specified. (WIC 18911 (e))
4. Authorizes the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to supervise and regulate every public utility in the state to do all things which are necessary and convenient in the exercise of such power and jurisdiction, as specified. (PUC 701)
5. Allows the CPUC to authorize one qualifying local agency or information and referral center in a county to use the 2-1-1 dial code. (CPUC Decision 03-02-029)

This bill:

1. Declares that the act shall be known and may be cited as the County Human Services Information and Referral Modernization Act of 2017.
2. Permits a county human services agency to refer a CalFresh applicant or recipient to the 2-1-1 dial code to access information on emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers, including child nutrition programs, in lieu of providing a list, as required, if the county deems that method to be the most appropriate to serve an applicant or recipient.
3. Makes other technical changes.

Background

AB 323 allows county human services agencies to refer CalFresh applicants and recipients to the local 2-1-1 dial code for information on available anti-hunger programs, instead of the county maintaining and providing a similar list. The 2-1-1 dial code services provide easily accessible and robust information about a wide variety of health and human services, including child nutrition programs. According to the author, “This is a common-sense solution that codifies best practices already in practice by some counties, without adding any additional costs, and increases access to much needed services for families.”

Poverty and Food Insecurity

According to the USDA, food-insecure households are those in which, at times during the year, household members were uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food to meet the needs of all their members because they had insufficient money or other resources for food. Food-insecure households include those with low food security and very low food security. The USDA reports that, in 2015, 42.2 million people lived in food-insecure households; and 6.4 million children lived in food-insecure households in which children, along with adults, were food insecure.

According to the California Association of Food Banks, one in eight Californians and one in four children face food insecurity. Research studies have identified multiple negative effects of child hunger. Food insecurity can result in poor school attendance and performance, lower workplace productivity, and physical and mental health problems. Children who experience hunger are also more likely to incur developmental impairments that limit their physical, intellectual, and emotional growth.

To address issues of food insecurity and the nutritional needs of individuals who live at or near the poverty level, low-income Californians can access several supplemental food programs, each of which serve a defined clientele and offers services at a variety of locations and in a variety of forms. Depending on one’s circumstances, a person could be eligible for one or more food program. For example, a person could obtain food directly from a local food pantry at a church and/or CalFresh benefits in the form of an EBT card via the county welfare office. Following is a partial list of anti-hunger programs available throughout the country.

• CalFresh
• National School Lunch Program
• Summer Food Service Program
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

While there are numerous food assistance programs, participation across the programs is uneven. A 2016 PPIC report “Improving California Children’s Participation in Nutrition Programs” found that 24 percent of all California children participated in CalFresh, while more than twice as many age-eligible children were enrolled in free school meals; 44 percent of infants and 34 percent of young children were enrolled in WIC. PPIC also estimated that if all CalFresh-eligible children were fully enrolled in CalFresh and either free school meals or WIC, these programs would reach 1.6 million more children.

Referral to emergency food providers

Existing law requires each County Human Services Agency to compile and make available a list of local emergency food providers. In 2016, the bill’s sponsor, the Western Center on Law and Poverty, published a report highlighting county best practices connecting CalFresh applicant households with child nutrition programs. The analysis found that “although nearly all of the county Human Services Agencies have websites containing information about the CalFresh program, only a handful provided additional, easily accessible information about child nutrition programs such as school meals, WIC and child summer feeding programs.” The report also found that the information provided to CalFresh applicant households “varied dramatically between counties,” which seemed to depend “more on a lack of information about what programs are available or how to access those resources or staff time available to maintain updated information.” Only four counties provided easily accessible information about school meal programs and eight provided information on summer lunch programs. However, 25 counties were providing a referral to 2-1-1 services.

2-1-1Dial Code

2-1-1 is a free phone service and online database that connects Californians to locally available health and human service programs, joblessness support and disaster response information in their communities. 2-1-1 information and referral providers connect people of all income levels and language and cultural backgrounds to resources tailored to their needs and circumstances, taking into account accessibility, eligibility requirements and other factors through live assistance from certified information and referral specialists, or online.

2-1-1 services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in 150 different languages. Currently, 37 counties have access to 2-1-1 services and ten counties have 2-1-1 services under development. In 2016, nearly 1.5 million Californians called 2-1-1 for help finding community services such as rent and mortgage assistance, food and shelter, healthcare, job training, transportation, childcare, and senior care.

CalFresh

The CalFresh program provides qualified low-income households with EBT cards which are used to purchase food items to be prepared and consumed at home, as well as seeds and plants that can be grown at home to produce food. CalFresh is California’s version of the federal SNAP program.

To participate in CalFresh, households must meet defined income-eligibility standards. Depending on the households’ circumstances, the maximum gross income limit ranges between 100 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). For most households, monthly gross income must be at or below 200 percent of FPL, which is $3,360 for a family of three. CalFresh benefit levels are based on the household size and income after certain deductions. The average monthly CalFresh benefit in FY 2016-17 is projected at $293 per household and $140 per person.

National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program is a federally funded program that assists schools and other agencies in providing nutritious lunches for children in low-income families for free or at a reduced price.

Generally, public or nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions may participate in the school lunch program. School districts and independent schools that choose to take part in the lunch program get cash subsidies and food. In return, they must serve lunches that meet federal requirements, and they must offer free or reduced price lunches to eligible children. Schools can also be reimbursed for snacks served to children through age 18 in afterschool educational or enrichment programs.

Summer Food Service Program

During the school year, a large number of children in the United States receive free and reduced-lunches through their school lunch programs. However, when the school year ends food insecurity among school-aged children can increase because the children are no longer receiving lunchtime meals at school. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a USDA program that provides children and teens in low-income areas free meals when school is out. Children who are 18 years old and younger may receive free meals and snacks through SFSP and may receive one or two meals at designated locations.

SFSP is a federally-funded, state-administered program that reimburses providers who serve free, healthy meals to children and teens at state-approved sites, such as schools or community centers. Local governments, camps, schools, and private nonprofit organizations may offer SFSP services.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP, the USDA purchases a variety of nutritious, high-quality foods, and makes those foods available to state distributing agencies. In California, the program is administered by CDSS, which provides the food to local agencies, such as food banks, for distribution to local organizations, such as soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public. CDSS also provides the food to community agencies that distribute the food directly to eligible low-income households. As of December 2016, there were 49 food banks throughout California and approximately 2,300 distribution sites and congregate feeding sites, according to CDSS. Between October 2015 and September 2016, over one million pounds of food was distributed and 1.1 million people were served monthly.

Women, Infants and Children

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serves low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious food, information on healthy eating and breastfeeding, and referrals to health care.

WIC is administered nationally by USDA and the California Department of Public Health administers the program at the state level. WIC benefits include milk, cereal, baby food, fruits, vegetables and eggs. To qualify for WIC, one must meet income guidelines and be in any of the categories listed below:

• A pregnant woman
• A woman breastfeeding a baby under 1 year of age
• A woman who had a baby or was pregnant in the past 6 months
• A baby up to his or her first birthday
• A child up to his or her fifth birthday

Related/Prior Legislation

SB 1212 (Hueso, Chapter 841, Statutes of 2016) authorized the CPUC to expend up to $1.5 million from the California Teleconnect Fund Administrative Committee Fund to close 2-1-1 service gaps. It also provided funding to expand access to 2-1-1 services. Specifically, it authorized the CPUC to expend up to $1.5 million from the California Teleconnect Fund Administrative Committee Fund to close 2-1-1 service gaps.

AB 608 (Gordon, 2015) would have added specific information about school-based nutrition programs and other programs intended to serve children to the information counties are required to provide to households applying for CalFresh benefits. It was held in Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 2115 (Bradford, 2014) would have required county human services agencies to include information about school-based and other nutritional assistance programs to the required list of emergency food assistance providers. The bill was held in Senate Appropriations Committee.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 6/16/17)

Western Center on Law and Poverty (source)

AFSCME

Alameda County Community Food Bank

American Academy of Pediatrics

California Association of Food Banks

California Catholic Conference

California Immigrant Policy Center

Courage Campaign

Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County

The Women’s Foundation of California

United Ways of California

OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/16/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the Western Center on Law and Poverty, “AB 323 offers counties the option to modernize and simplify information and referrals to emergency food providers, while improving the likelihood that families applying for CalFresh will learn about other services that may reduce hunger in their home in the short and long-run.”

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/22/17

AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bocanegra, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Bonta, Chen, Nazarian

Prepared by:

6/16/17 11:22:27

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

Senator Wiener, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular

Bill No: AB 323

Subject: CalFresh: emergency food provider referrals

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes county human services agencies to refer CalFresh applicants and recipients to the 2-1-1 dial code so that applicants and recipients may access information about emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers in lieu of the county providing a similar list, if the county deems the 2-1-1 method to be the most appropriate.

ABSTRACT

Existing law:

1. Establishes in federal law the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the nation’s population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households. It establishes SNAP eligibility requirements, including income that is at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level and is determined to be a substantial limiting factor in permitting a recipient to obtain a more nutritious diet. (7 CFR 271.1; 7 CFR 273.9)
2. Establishes in California statute the CalFresh program to administer the provisions of federal SNAP benefits to low-income families and individuals meeting specified criteria. (WIC 18900 et seq.)
3. Requires county welfare departments to compile a list of emergency food providers in the area served by the local CalFresh office, and further requires the list to be updated based on information from food providers, and made available upon request, and permits the list to be used to refer individuals to emergency food sites, as specified. (WIC 18911 (e))
4. Authorizes the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to supervise and regulate every public utility in the state to do all things which are necessary and convenient in the exercise of such power and jurisdiction, as specified. (PUC 701)
5. Allows the CPUC to authorize one qualifying local agency or information and referral center in a county to use the 2-1-1 dial code. (CPUC Decision 03-02-029)

This bill:

1. Declares that the act shall be known and may be cited as the County Human Services Information and Referral Modernization Act of 2017.
2. Permits a county human services agency to refer a CalFresh applicant or recipient to the 2-1-1 dial code to access information on emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers, including child nutrition programs, in lieu of providing a list, as required, if the county deems that method to be the most appropriate to serve an applicant or recipient.
3. Makes other technical changes.

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill is keyed non-fiscal and has not been analyzed by a fiscal committee.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

Purpose of the bill:

AB 323 allows county human services agencies to refer CalFresh applicants and recipients to the local 2-1-1 dial code for information on available anti-hunger programs, instead of the county maintaining and providing a similar list. The 2-1-1 dial code services provide easily accessible and robust information about a wide variety of health and human services, including child nutrition programs. According to the author, “This is a common-sense solution that codifies best practices already in practice by some counties, without adding any additional costs, and increases access to much needed services for families.”

Poverty and Food Insecurity

According to the official poverty measure, nearly 6 million (15.3 percent) Californians lived in poverty in 2015. According to the supplemental poverty measure, a more refined measure that takes into account cost of food, clothing and shelter and utilities and other factors, 8 million (20.6 percent) Californians lived in poverty in 2015. Using a slightly different methodology, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) placed the statewide poverty rate at 22 percent. The same PPIC report indicates that 19 percent of adults over 65 years of age were living in poverty. PPIC also estimates that 2.3 million children are poor in California, and an additional 1.3 million would be considered poor were it not for social safety net resources utilized by their families.

Research suggests that experiencing poverty in the first few years of life may undermine brain development, adversely affect overall health status, and lead to diminished success in early elementary school grades and a lower chance of ever completing high school. Children who experience poverty are also less likely to work as adults and have low odds of making it out of poverty as adults.

According to the USDA, food-insecure households are those in which, at times during the year, household members were uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food to meet the needs of all their members because they had insufficient money or other resources for food. Food-insecure households include those with low food security and very low food security. The USDA reports that, in 2015, 42.2 million people lived in food-insecure households; and 6.4 million children lived in food-insecure households in which children, along with adults, were food insecure.

According to the California Association of Food Banks, one in eight Californians and one in four children face food insecurity. Research studies have identified multiple negative effects of child hunger. Food insecurity can result in poor school attendance and performance, lower workplace productivity, and physical and mental health problems. Children who experience hunger are also more likely to incur developmental impairments that limit their physical, intellectual, and emotional growth.

A study conducted by researchers at the USDA’s Economic Research Service and the Congressional Research Service showed that food insecurity among households with school-age children is more prevalent during the summer months than during the school year. According to the California Food Policy Advocates, almost 2 million of California’s low-income children fell into the summer nutrition gap in 2014. This means about 80 percent of the children and youth who received federally funded free or reduced-price lunches during the school year missed out on such lunches during the summer.

To address issues of food insecurity and the nutritional needs of individuals who live at or near the poverty level, low-income Californians can access several supplemental food programs, each of which serve a defined clientele and offers services at a variety of locations and in a variety of forms. Depending on one’s circumstances, a person could be eligible for one or more food program. For example, a person could obtain food directly from a local food pantry at a church and/or CalFresh benefits in the form of an EBT card via the county welfare office. Following is a partial list of anti-hunger programs available throughout the country.

• CalFresh
• National School Lunch Program
• Summer Food Service Program
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

While there are numerous food assistance programs, participation across the programs is uneven. A 2016 PPIC report “Improving California Children’s Participation in Nutrition Programs” found that 24 percent of all California children participated in CalFresh, while more than twice as many age-eligible children were enrolled in free school meals; 44 percent of infants and 34 percent of young children were enrolled in WIC. PPIC also estimated that if all CalFresh-eligible children were fully enrolled in CalFresh and either free school meals or WIC, these programs would reach 1.6 million more children.

Referral to emergency food providers

Existing law requires each County Human Services Agency to compile and make available a list of local emergency food providers. In 2016, the bill’s sponsor, the Western Center on Law and Poverty (WCLP) published a report highlighting county best practices connecting CalFresh applicant households with child nutrition programs. The analysis found that “although nearly all of the county Human Services Agencies have websites containing information about the CalFresh program, only a handful provided additional, easily accessible information about child nutrition programs such as school meals, WIC and child summer feeding programs.” The report also found that the information provided to CalFresh applicant households “varied dramatically between counties,” which seemed to depend “more on a lack of information about what programs are available or how to access those resources or staff time available to maintain updated information.” Only four counties provided easily accessible information about school meal programs and eight provided information on summer lunch programs. However, 25 counties were providing a referral to 2-1-1 services.

2-1-1Dial Code

2-1-1 is a free phone service and online database that connects Californians to locally available health and human service programs, joblessness support and disaster response information in their communities. 2-1-1 information and referral providers connect people of all income levels and language and cultural backgrounds to resources tailored to their needs and circumstances, taking into account accessibility, eligibility requirements and other factors through live assistance from certified information and referral specialists, or online.

2-1-1 services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in 150 different languages. Currently, 37 counties have access to 2-1-1 services and ten counties have 2-1-1 services under development. In 2016, nearly 1.5 million Californians called 2-1-1 for help finding community services such as rent and mortgage assistance, food and shelter, healthcare, job training, transportation, childcare, and senior care.

CalFresh

The CalFresh program provides qualified low-income households with EBT cards which are used to purchase food items to be prepared and consumed at home, as well as seeds and plants that can be grown at home to produce food. CalFresh is California’s version of the federal SNAP program. CalFresh benefits are 100 percent federally funded and national eligibility standards and benefit levels are established by the federal government. The program is administered by the California Department of Social Service (CDSS) at the state level. California’s 58 counties are responsible for administering the program at the local level.

To participate in CalFresh, households must meet defined income-eligibility standards. Depending on the households’ circumstances, the maximum gross income limit ranges between 100 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). For most households, monthly gross income must be at or below 200 percent of FPL, which is $3,360 for a family of three. When there is a disqualified member in a household, the monthly gross income must be at or below 130 percent FPL, which is $2,184 for a family of three. Under the adjusted net income test, which applies to all households, net income must not exceed 100 percent FPL, which is $1,680 for a family of three. CalFresh benefit levels are based on the household size and income after certain deductions. The average monthly CalFresh benefit in FY 2016-17 is projected at $293 per household and $140 per person.

National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program is a federally funded program that assists schools and other agencies in providing nutritious lunches for children in low-income families for free or at a reduced price.

Generally, public or nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions may participate in the school lunch program. School districts and independent schools that choose to take part in the lunch program get cash subsidies and food. In return, they must serve lunches that meet federal requirements, and they must offer free or reduced price lunches to eligible children. Schools can also be reimbursed for snacks served to children through age 18 in afterschool educational or enrichment programs.

The USDA is responsible for overseeing the program nationally. In California, the program is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE), Nutrition Services Division.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

During the school year, a large number of children in the United States receive free and reduced-lunches through their school lunch programs. However, when the school year ends food insecurity among school-aged children can increase because the children are no longer receiving lunchtime meals at school. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a USDA program that provides children and teens in low-income areas free meals when school is out.

SFSP is a federally-funded, state-administered program that reimburses providers who serve free, healthy meals to children and teens at state-approved sites, such as schools or community centers. Local governments, camps, schools, and private nonprofit organizations may offer SFSP services in the community and must undergo training, locate eligible sites, hire, train and supervise staff. They arrange for meals to be prepared and delivered, monitor sites and prepare claims for reimbursement. Children who are 18 years old and younger may receive free meals and snacks through SFSP and may receive one or two meals at designated locations.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP, the USDA purchases a variety of nutritious, high-quality foods, and makes those foods available to state distributing agencies. In California, the program is administered by CDSS, which provides the food to local agencies, such as food banks, for distribution to local organizations, such as soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public. CDSS also provides the food to community agencies that distribute the food directly to eligible low-income households. As of December 2016, there were 49 food banks throughout California and approximately 2,300 distribution sites and congregate feeding sites, according to CDSS. Between October 2015 and September 2016, over one million pounds of food was distributed and 1.1 million people were served monthly.

Women, Infants and Children

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serves low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious food, information on healthy eating and breastfeeding, and referrals to health care.

WIC is administered nationally by USDA and the California Department of Public Health administers the program at the state level. WIC benefits include milk, cereal, baby food, fruits, vegetables and eggs. To qualify for WIC, one must meet income guidelines and be in any of the categories listed below:

• A pregnant woman
• A woman breastfeeding a baby under 1 year of age
• A woman who had a baby or was pregnant in the past 6 months
• A baby up to his or her first birthday
• A child up to his or her fifth birthday

Related legislation:

SB 1212 (Hueso, Chapter 841, Statutes of 2016) authorized the CPUC to expend up to $1.5 million from the California Teleconnect Fund Administrative Committee Fund to close 2-1-1 service gaps. It also provided funding to expand access to 2-1-1 services. Specifically, it authorized the CPUC to expend up to $1.5 million from the California Teleconnect Fund Administrative Committee Fund to close 2-1-1 service gaps.

AB 608 (Gordon, 2015) would have added specific information about school-based nutrition programs and other programs intended to serve children to the information counties are required to provide to households applying for CalFresh benefits. It was held in Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 2115 (Bradford, 2014) would have required county human services agencies to include information about school-based and other nutritional assistance programs to the required list of emergency food assistance providers. The bill was held in Senate Appropriations Committee.

PRIOR VOTES

POSITIONS

Support:

Western Center on Law and Poverty (Sponsor)

AFSCME

Alameda County Community Food Bank

American Academy of Pediatrics

California Association of Food Banks

California Catholic Conference

California Immigrant Policy Center

Courage Campaign

Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County

The Women’s Foundation of California

United Ways of California

Oppose:

None received.

-- END --

Date of Hearing: May 5, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

Blanca Rubio, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 323 (

Author:Berman) – As Introduced Ver:February 7, 2017

SUBJECT: CalFresh: emergency food provider referrals

SUMMARY: Allows a county human services agency to provide a referral to the local agency authorized for the use of the 2-1-1 dial code to provide information on emergency food providers and supplemental food assistance providers in lieu of providing a list of emergency food providers if the county determines that to be the most appropriate method to serve an applicant or recipient, as specified, and makes technical changes.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes under federal law the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and establishes, in California statute, the CalFresh program to administer the provision of federal SNAP benefits to families and individuals meeting certain criteria, as specified. (WIC 18900 et seq.)
2. Establishes the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Act, and defines the EBT system as the program designed to provide benefits to those eligible to receive public assistance benefits such as CalWORKs and CalFresh. (WIC 10065 et seq.)
3. Requires a county welfare department to compile a list of emergency food providers in the area served by the local CalFresh office, and further requires the list to be updated based on information from food providers, and made available upon request, and permits the list to be used to refer individuals to emergency food sites, as specified. (WIC 18911 (e))
4. Authorizes the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to supervise and regulate every public utility in the State to do all things which are necessary and convenient in the exercise of such power and jurisdiction, as specified. (PUC 701)
5. Allows the CPUC to authorize one qualifying local agency or information and referral center in a county to use the 2-1-1 dial code. (CPUC Decision 03-02-029)

FISCAL EFFECT: This bill was keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS:

Food insecurity and poverty in California: California produces nearly half the nation’s fruits and vegetables; however, one in eight Californians and one in four children face food insecurity, according to the California Association of Food Banks. Food insecurity, which is the occasional or constant lack of access to the food a person needs in order to lead a healthy and active life, can result in poor school attendance and performance, lower workplace productivity, and physical and mental health problems. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, an estimated 2.3 million children are poor in California, and an additional 1.3 million would be considered poor were it not for social safety net resources utilized by their families. Research suggests that experiencing poverty in the first few years of life may undermine brain development, adversely affect overall health status, and lead to diminished success in early elementary school grades and a lower chance of ever completing high school. Children who experience poverty are also less likely to work as adults and have low odds of making it out of poverty as adults. To address issues of food insecurity and the nutrition needs of individuals who live at or near the poverty level, low-income Californians can access several supplemental food programs, including:

CalFresh: CalFresh benefits are funded entirely by the federal government through SNAP, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets specific eligibility requirements for SNAP programs across the United States. CalFresh is a federally mandated, state-supervised, and county-operated program that provides monthly food benefits to assist low-income households in purchasing the food they need to maintain adequate nutrition levels. The amount of benefits a family can receive is dependent on family size, countable income, and monthly expenses. Specifically, the maximum allowable gross income is generally 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with elderly members or members with a disability are not subject to gross income criteria, but must have a net monthly income at or below 100% of the FPL. Benefits are made available on a monthly basis for food purchase through an ATM-like electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. CalFresh benefits can only be used to purchase food items to be prepared and consumed at home, as well as seeds and plants that can be grown at home to produce food. The average monthly benefit for a CalFresh recipient is $144.35 per month, or $4.81 per person per day

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): The TEFAP program is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. Administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, TEFAP provides food and administrative funds to states to supplement the diets of low-income individuals. California’s EFAP program is administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and provides administrative funds and USDA commodities to a network of food banks that, in turn, distribute food to a network of organizations that provide food directly to individuals. As of December 2016, there were 49 food banks throughout California and approximately 2,300 distribution sites and congregate feeding sites, according to DSS. Between October 2015 and September 2016, approximately 118,145,330 pounds of food were distributed and 1.1 million people were served monthly.

California National School Breakfast and Lunch Program: The USDA provides funding to support school meals and milk programs to assist schools, districts, and other non-profit agencies in providing nutritious meals and milk to children for free or for a reduced price. The California Department of Education (CDE) is responsible for the administration and implementation of the National School Lunch Program, which provides nutritious lunches to children at reasonable prices, or for free if their family receives certain public benefits, including SNAP benefits, or are eligible based on income.

Summer EBT for Children (SEBTC): In 2011, as part of its efforts to end child hunger, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service created the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (SEBTC) program to study the use of SNAP and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) EBT technology by providing children and their families with more resources to use at food stores during the summer months. In 2011, the USDA began “proof-of concept” demonstrations in two states, Michigan and Texas, for the WIC model, and in three states, Connecticut, Missouri, and Oregon, for the SNAP model. Each state provided benefits to 2,500 children in the summer of 2011. In 2012, each of the five proof-of-concept states increased operations to reach 5,000 children in new parts of their states. In addition to this, in 2012, five new states and Tribal Organizations implemented SEBTC projects: Cherokee Nation (WIC), Chickasaw Nation (WIC), Nevada (WIC), Delaware (SNAP), and Washington (SNAP).

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): Founded as a larger pilot project in 1968 and made a permanent, independent program in 1975, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is overseen by the USDA and provides kids and teens in low-income areas free meals when school is out. SFSP is a federally-funded, state-administered program that reimburses providers who serve free, healthy meals to children and teens at state-approved sites, such as schools or community centers. Local governments, camps, schools, and private nonprofit organizations may offer SFSP services in the community and must undergo training, locate eligible sites, hire, train and supervise staff, arrange for meals to be prepared and delivered, monitor sites and prepare claims for reimbursement. Children who are 18 years old and younger may receive free meals and snacks through SFSP and may receive one or two meals at designated locations.

2-1-1 California: 2-1-1 is a free phone number and online database that connects individuals with existing health and human service programs in the community. Created as a joint effort by the California Alliance of Information and Referral Services and the United Ways of California, 2-1-1 works closely with legislators and local, state, and federal government agencies, including the California Office of Emergency Services, to ensure that Californians are able to find necessary supports and services. In 2016, nearly 1.5 million Californians called 2-1-1 for assistance in finding community services, such as rent and mortgage assistance, food and shelter, healthcare, job training, transportation, childcare, and senior care. 2-1-1 also plays a critical role in providing information and support in times of disaster and helps to connect families to information regarding shelter, food, medical, and recovery information during evacuations. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is offered in 150 languages; nearly 97% of the state’s population in 38 counties has access to 2-1-1, according to the 2-1-1 California’s Internet Web site.

Need for this bill: According to the author’s office, “[This bill] improves access by allowing counties to provide information on emergency food providers to CalFresh applicants through a 2-1-1 referral. By using 2-1-1 services, families are provided with robust and up-to-date resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages. This bill also helps families connect to child nutrition programs, such as the National School and Lunch Program and the National Summer Lunch Program. This is a common sense solution that increases access to resources for vulnerable families and codifies best practices already in place by some counties, all without adding an additional mandate.”

According to the Western Center on Law and Poverty, sponsor of this bill, “[This bill] would improve access to information and resources to help families facing economic crisis by amending current law requiring County Human Services Agencies offer applicants and recipients of aid a list of emergency food providers. Specifically, [this bill] allows counties to provide CalFresh applicants a referral to 2-1-1 services, which can connect them with a robust list of up-to-date resources to address the families multiple needs, instead of a printed list of food providers…[This bill] offers counties the option to modernize and simplify information and referrals to emergency food providers, while improving the likelihood that families applying for CalFresh will learn about other services that may reduce hunger in their home in the short and long-run.”

Recommended committee amendments: In order to ensure clarity and connect CalFresh applicants and recipients to information provided by the 2-1-1 dial code, committee staff recommends the following amendments:

1. On page 2 of the bill, between lines 30 and 32, make the following changes:
   

30

(2) A county human services agency may elect to provide a

31

referral refer a CalFresh applicant or recipient to the agency authorized by the Public Utilities

32

Commission for the use of the 2-1-1 dial code to provide access

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information on emergency food providers and supplemental food

34

assistance providers, including child nutrition programs, in lieu

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of providing a list pursuant to paragraph (1) if the county deems

36

that method to be the most appropriate to serve an applicant or

37

recipient.

PRIOR LEGISLATION

SB 1212 (Hueso), Chapter 841, Statutes of 2016, authorized the CPUC to expend up to $1.5 million from the California Teleconnect Fund Administrative Committee Fund to close 2-1-1 service gaps.

AB 608 (Gordon), 2015, would have added specific information about school-based nutrition programs and other programs intended to serve children to the information counties are required to provide to households applying for CalFresh benefits. It died on the suspense file in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 2115 (Bradford), 2014, would have required county human services agencies to include information about school-based and other nutritional assistance programs to the required list of emergency food assistance providers. It died on the suspense file in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Western Center on Law and Poverty (Sponsor)

Alameda County Community Food Bank

American Academy of Pediatrics, California

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

California Association of Food Banks

California Catholic Conference, Inc.

California Immigrant Policy Center

Courage Campaign

Food Bank of Contra Costa County

United Ways of California

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Kelsy Castillo / HUM. S. / (916) 319-2089