(a)

(1) On or before July 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a methodology for estimating the CalFresh participation rate and identifying characteristics of Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.

(2) Identified characteristics may include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, preferred language, age, and location.

(3) The department shall identify any existing public assistance or public benefit data that may be used to identify Californians who are eligible for, but not receiving, CalFresh benefits.

(4) The department shall annually publish the CalFresh participation rate. (

b) The department shall utilize the data and metrics described in subdivision (

a) to develop informed and targeted outreach strategies and to maximize federal funding for CalFresh outreach to reach Californians who are eligible for CalFresh benefits. (

c) On or before July 1, 2027, the department, in consultation with advocate representatives, county human service agencies, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop a strategic plan for how the department’s methodology and outreach strategies may be implemented and executed to maximize benefits to those eligible for CalFresh benefits. (

d) The department shall designate an executive-level employee of the department who shall report to the Director of Social Services on the implementation of the provisions of this

section and

Section 18901.59.