18900.1. (Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 625, Sec. 1.)

(a) The State Department of Social Services shall propose a new name for the Food Stamp Program in California, by July 1, 2009. The department shall convene stakeholders to develop the new name, as provided in subdivision (b). The new name shall reflect one or more of the following concepts:

(1) That food stamps are no longer delivered by stamps.

(2) That food stamps support healthy living.

(3) That food stamps are important to agriculture in California.

(4) That food stamps would be better viewed as a health and nutrition program than as a welfare program.

(b) The department shall convene a diverse group of stakeholders to develop the new name, including representatives from agencies working to improve health and reduce diet-related illnesses.

(c) The department is encouraged to test the impact the new name would have on improving the perception of the program among low-income residents, and on increasing program participation.