CA AB1961

Creates the End Hunger in California Master Plan Task Force composed of 25 members from state agencies, labor organizations, nonprofits, farmers, tribal representatives, and grocery retailers to develop comprehensive strategies addressing food access.

Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to serve as lead agency for developing the End Hunger in California Master Plan, with distribution to the Legislature by January 1, 2027 or two years after appropriation of funds, whichever is later.

Plan must identify barriers to bringing food retailers to underserved areas, strategies to maximize participation in federal and state nutrition programs, and goals for ending hunger and food deserts across urban, suburban, and rural regions.

Authorizes the department to use privately donated funds to provide per diem allowances and travel reimbursements for non-state-employed task force members, and compensation for people with lived experience of food insecurity.

Requires task force to meet at least twice yearly, maintain geographic and racial/ethnic diversity, and submit annual reports to the Legislature on member demographic information.