CA AB1965

Establishes the California Antihunger Response (CARE) program to provide food assistance benefits to individuals who lose CalFresh eligibility due to the federal able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) time limit and do not qualify for federal discretionary exemptions.

Requires CARE recipients to receive benefits in the same amount they would have received under CalFresh, issued through the state's electronic benefits transfer system using state funds.

CARE benefits only apply when no statewide federal time limit waiver is in effect, and only in areas without area-specific federal waivers.

Directs the State Department of Social Services to issue guidance by April 1, 2023 on maximizing use of federal discretionary exemptions, developed in consultation with counties, advocates, and caseworker representatives.

Requires CARE benefits to become operational one year after the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provisions for immigrant seniors become operative.