SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC), representing over 2.1 million students statewide, proudly hosted a joint press conference on October 18, 2024, at San Bernardino Valley College to celebrate the signing of Assembly Bill 2033 (Reyes)
The event featured Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian, and SSCCC student representatives, marking a significant step toward expanding access to basic needs services for community college students.
Assembly Bill 2033, authored by Assemblymember Reyes, mandates that by September 1, 2025, all California Community Colleges and California State Universities with on-campus stores must apply to become authorized SNAP (CalFresh) retailers. This crucial provision will enable students to use their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards for food purchases directly on campus. The bill also encourages the University of California system to implement similar measures. Additionally, AB 2033 requires including a "SNAP Retail Locator" link within student resource platforms, making it easier for students to locate participating stores.
Moreover, the legislation enhances student support services by mandating all CSU campuses and requesting UC campuses establish Basic Needs Coordinators and Centers. These centers will provide crucial assistance related to housing, food, mental health, and other essential services. The bill further stipulates that both systems report annually on these services, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement in student support programs.
“This legislation marks a significant step toward addressing food insecurity and enhancing support for students across California’s public postsecondary institutions. As students, it is challenging to focus on academics when we're also worrying about our next meal. AB 2033 provides thousands of students with the opportunity to access food on their campus using EBT. SSCCC will work closely with our system partners and counterparts to support our local colleges in implementing EBT.” Ivan Hernandez, SSCCC President
With the passage of AB 2033, California is taking vital strides to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the resources necessary for success. The SSCCC remains dedicated to championing policies that uplift students and secure a brighter future for all.
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 117 colleges serving over 2 million students per year. The Student Senate for California Community Colleges mission is to enrich the collegiate experience for all California community college students by pursuing policies that will improve student access and success while engaging and empowering local student leaders and honoring equity and diversity.
###
