Bill > AB798

This bill amends the State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program to include children's diapers and wipes as eligible supplies during natural or human-made disasters. The bill recognizes that diapers are a significant financial burden for low-income families, costing around $100 per month per child and representing approximately 4% of a minimum wage worker's income. Currently, existing benefit programs like CalFresh and WIC do not provide diaper assistance. The proposed legislation would allow the State Department of Social Services to use program funds to purchase and distribute diapers and wipes in eligible communities and reimburse food banks for these supplies during emergency situations. The bill builds on existing diaper support efforts, such as the CalWORKs program's $30 monthly diaper assistance for families with children under 36 months. By expanding the State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program to include diapers and wipes, the legislation aims to address diaper need, particularly for vulnerable families during disasters, and strengthen existing safety-net investments. The bill also maintains the program's existing flexibility, allowing for distribution methods that ensure efficient and effective support during emergencies.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB798