Multiple students and campus representatives used the hearing's public comment period to urge the Legislature to restore CalFood funding to $60 million annually, arguing reduced allocations would harm students' ability to afford food and succeed academically.

Who spoke and what they asked
Student leaders and campus staff from the University of California, Riverside and other campuses described food insecurity on campuses and requested that CalFood be funded at $60 million per year on an ongoing basis. Jordan Lili Dove, a second‑year data science and public policy student at UC Riverside, said the program is essential and asked the Legislature to “allocate a minimum of $60,000,000 to these programs.” Multiple subsequent speakers — including student leaders and campus staff — repeated the $60 million figure and described campus pantries' high demand.

Why they made the ask
Speakers said CalFood funding enables campus pantries to purchase food affordably and to supply other basic‑needs products (hygiene and menstrual supplies) that many low‑income students rely on. Commenters linked food security to student success and timely graduation, and argued that steep cuts to basic‑needs supports would have long‑term negative consequences for students and communities.

Other public comments
A UC Berkeley vice chancellor briefly addressed campus renewal needs at Berkeley, saying the campus faces roughly $13 billion in facility modernization needs over 20 years and a $2 billion capital renewal backlog; he asked the Legislature for help on capital renewal as well.

Ending note
The public comment block highlighted the immediate student demand for basic‑needs funding and the political pressure on budget subcommittees to consider restoring CalFood support; the subcommittee did not take a formal vote during public comment.