State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program: diapers and wipes.

Assembly Member Calderon's expansion of California's State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program would add children's diapers and wipes to the essential supplies distributed during natural or human-made disasters. The legislation authorizes food banks to purchase and distribute these items to eligible low-income families, alongside existing emergency food assistance.

The bill establishes two new funding mechanisms within the program: direct purchasing of diapers and wipes for distribution in affected communities, and reimbursement to food banks for procurement and distribution costs. These provisions build upon the current emergency response framework, which activates when local, state, or federal authorities declare a disaster or state of emergency.

The Department of Social Services would maintain administrative oversight while gaining flexibility to implement the expanded program through direct guidance rather than formal rulemaking. The legislation preserves existing exemptions from certain contracting requirements to facilitate rapid response during emergencies, while continuing to serve all eligible residents regardless of immigration status.