Texas Senate Bill SB1374

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring that certain strategic plans of certain state agencies include the goals of reducing the incidence of food insecurity, poor nutrition, and diet-related disease in this state.

Impact

This bill is poised to influence state laws related to food programs and public health initiatives significantly. By emphasizing the importance of including nutrition-related goals in strategic planning, SB1374 aims to facilitate an increase in the participation rates of individuals in existing nutrition programs. This change may also require a reassessment of how these agencies allocate resources and engage in outreach to ensure that adequate nutritional support reaches those in need. There are likely to be heightened expectations for accountability and measuring success against the defined goals.

Summary

SB1374 aims to enhance state efforts to combat food insecurity, poor nutrition, and diet-related diseases by mandating that certain strategic plans of state agencies include specific goals addressing these issues. The bill specifically targets the Department of Agriculture and the Texas Education Agency, requiring them to incorporate updated goals into their strategic plans, which will necessitate boosting access to nutritious food and maximizing federal funds linked to child nutrition programs. This focus reflects a commitment to tackling public health concerns that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations within the state.

Contention

One point of contention that may arise is the adequacy of funding and resources for the implementation of these measures. Critics might argue that without additional financial support or changes to existing policies, the ambitious goals outlined in SB1374 could be challenging to achieve. Additionally, there could be concern over the effectiveness of merely including these goals in strategic plans without a binding framework to ensure that tangible outcomes result from these efforts. Stakeholder engagement is also a significant aspect, as seeking input from food insecurity experts and service providers is crucial for tailoring initiatives to meet real needs.