88R9744 KBB-D
By: González of Dallas H.B. No. 2886
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to establishing the food systems office to promote food
security.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Title 2, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding
Chapter 22 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 22. FOOD SECURITY
Sec. 22.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "office" means
the food systems office within the department.
Sec. 22.002. FOOD SYSTEMS OFFICE. (a) The food systems
office is established within the department.
(b) The office shall develop programs that support food
access and food security for Texas residents. The office shall
encourage and coordinate food security planning in this state for:
(1) establishing more localized food markets through
measures such as connecting local schools, retailers, and
distributors to local producers and collaborating with local
stakeholders to expand food delivery areas and providing buying
support to small retailers;
(2) creating streamlined and consolidated application
processes for multiple programs through a clearinghouse for public
assistance programs, farmer and distribution support programs,
opportunities for retail development, and food access business
development information and resources;
(3) establishing a communication network of local,
state, federal non-governmental, and for-profit entities and
programs operating in and relating to the food system in this state;
(4) assisting farmers in contributing to food security
such as by developing and providing information and resources
regarding local food production and food markets;
(5) collecting and monitoring information, such as
local poverty rates and measures of food access, to identify food
deserts and other communities or populations experiencing food
insecurity and to assist and coordinate applications for relevant
federal and state benefits; and
(6) focusing on community empowerment and resiliency
to ensure the office is providing individuals with food access
support.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.