Sen. Dodd Introduces College Student Hunger Bill

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced today his new legislation to get food aid to low-income college students, ensuring the underserved population has adequate food and nutrition.

“It’s no secret that going to college is expensive, but students shouldn’t have to starve to advance their education,” said Sen. Dodd, who introduced Senate Bill 1082 late Tuesday. “Unfortunately, chronic hunger is far too common on our campuses. My bill puts food on the table for those who are struggling, helping more Californians achieve their educational and career goals.”

Nearly one in three California college students faces food and housing insecurity, according to a survey last year by the California Student Aid Commission. Students of color are more likely than others to report needs in both areas, the survey said.

SB 1082 will improve existing student aid forms to help identify Cal Fresh eligibility and ensure students are proactively informed of their benefits. Many low-income students are not aware that they may qualify for food assistance through Cal Fresh. About 100,000 students would benefit from the proposal. It is a follow-up to SB 173, written last year by Sen. Dodd, which streamlined the Cal Fresh application process for college students enrolled in work-study. That bill was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Sponsors of SB 1082 include the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations and the University of California Student Association.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.