Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR187

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  

Caption

Urging The National Institute Of Food And Agriculture Of The United States Department Of Agriculture To Issue Additional Funding For The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program To Provide Matching Funds For The Expansion Of The State Double Up Food Bucks Program To All Approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retail Outlets Throughout The State.

Impact

The resolution advocates for an expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which offers a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP beneficiaries purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables. This initiative not only encourages healthier eating habits but also supports local farmers by increasing their sales statewide. By promoting the use of federal SNAP dollars in local markets, the resolution aims to bolster both public health and the local economy, ensuring that communities have wider access to nutritional foods.

Summary

SCR187, a concurrent resolution from the Hawaii Legislature, addresses the need for increased funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program. This program provides matching funds aimed at expanding the Double Up Food Bucks Program across all approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retail outlets in Hawaii. The resolution underscores the importance of access to healthy, fresh produce as a means of preventing obesity and managing chronic health issues, particularly among low-income families who rely on SNAP benefits.

Contention

While the bill has significant support due to its potential health benefits and economic boosts for local agriculture, it may face scrutiny regarding the reliance on federal funds for state-level initiatives. The progression of the resolution through the legislative process indicates bipartisan support, although concerns about the sustainability of funding and the effectiveness of the program expansion might arise. Stakeholders will likely discuss how these funds will be allocated and monitored to achieve the desired outcomes.

Companion Bills

HI HCR38

Same As Urging The National Institute Of Food And Agriculture Of The United States Department Of Agriculture To Issue Additional Funding For The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program To Provide Matching Funds For The Expansion Of The State Double Up Food Bucks Program To All Approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retail Outlets Throughout The State.

HI SR171

Same As Urging The National Institute Of Food And Agriculture Of The United States Department Of Agriculture To Issue Additional Funding For The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program To Provide Matching Funds For The Expansion Of The State Double Up Food Bucks Program To All Approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retail Outlets Throughout The State.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1259

Relating To Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Incentives.

HI SB2421

Relating To Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Incentives.

HI HB1248

Relating To Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Incentives.

HI HB1525

Relating To Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Incentives.

HI SB2802

Relating To The Hawaii Healthy Food Incentive Program.

HI HB2771

Relating To Food Security.

HI SB940

Relating To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

HI HB740

Relating To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

HI SB2135

Relating To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

HI HB1661

Relating To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Similar Bills

CA AB2106

Institutional purchasers: sale of California produce.

MS HB1055

Regulatory Sandbox Agricultural Innovation Pilot Program; establish.

CA AB778

Institutional purchasers: purchase of California-grown agricultural food products.

CA SB1308

Public educational institutions: purchase of nondomestic agricultural food products.

CA AB1025

Institutional purchasers: purchase of domestic agricultural food products.

CA AB822

Institutional purchasers: sale of California produce.

HI HB1584

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2363

Relating To Agriculture.