California Food Assistance Program: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

Existing federal law establishes the 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 federal law establishes the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) , under which United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods are provided to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved areas near reservations, as an alternative to SNAP benefits. Existing law requires the State Department of Social Services to establish the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) , using state funds appropriated for the program, to provide nutrition benefits to households that are ineligible for CalFresh benefits solely due to their immigration status. Existing law requires that the amount of nutrition benefits provided to each CFAP household be identical to the amount that would otherwise be provided to a household eligible for CalFresh benefits. This bill would, subject to an appropriation of state funds for CFAP, require the department to provide nutrition benefits to households that are ineligible for CalFresh benefits solely because they receive USDA Foods through FDPIR. The bill would require that the combined total of benefits provided under CFAP and FDPIR be identical to the amount that would otherwise be provided to a household eligible for CalFresh benefits. The bill would make conforming changes to related provisions. The bill would authorize the department to implement and administer the above-described provisions through all-county letters or similar instructions without taking regulatory action until final regulations are adopted, as specified. Because the bill would expand eligibility for CFAP, which is administered by the counties, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.