CDSS has issued instructions implementing SB 282, the Reducing Hunger Among Vulnerable Californians Act of 2017.
CDSS must now issue an annual ACL providing a list of counties or regions participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), instructions on how a county can participate in RMP, and guidance for how a county can appeal a CDSS determination that a county is ineligible to participate in RMP.
EBT cards must now allow all CalFresh recipients who are eligible for RMP to utilize benefits in all RMP authorized restaurants statewide, regardless of whether the recipients lives in an RMP participating county.
Counties select restaurants that are eligible to participate in RMP. Restaurants participating in RMP must allow in-store purchases except for direct farm purchasing programs or certified farmers markets. Selected restaurants and vendors must maintain a current public health license and comply with all federal, state and local health and safety laws.
The federal government provides funds for Employment and Training (E & T) Programs. There are a limited amount of 100 percent federal funds and an uncapped amount of 50 percent federal reimbursement funds. The 100 percent funds are allocated nationally based on the number of work registrants in the state. The 50 percent funds are available to counties and service providers based on costs for allowable E & T components.
SB 282 requires CDSS to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to allow 50 percent reimbursement funds to be used for providing subsidized employment. (ACL 18-24, March 15, 2018.)