The bill amends the Arkansas Code to facilitate the transfer of up to $7 million from the General Revenue Fund Account to the Aging and Adult Services Fund Account, specifically for food services benefiting the elderly. This includes funding for congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meal programs. Additionally, it allocates up to $490,000 for the Fight Senior Hunger Community Grant Match Program, which incentivizes local governments and nonprofit organizations to combat senior hunger. The bill outlines specific funding allocations, including that 50% of the remaining funds must be used for raw food costs and the other 50% for direct operating and labor costs associated with meal preparation and delivery.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Fight Senior Hunger Community Grant Match Program, which allows counties, cities, and nonprofit organizations to apply for grants to support their meal programs for seniors. The Department of Human Services will oversee the grant distribution, contingent upon the submission of a written plan and proof of local funding contributions. The bill also includes a reporting requirement for Area Agencies on Aging to provide updates on their programs addressing senior food insecurity. An emergency clause is included, stating that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025, to align with the state's fiscal year and ensure proper funding for the grant program.

Statutes affected:
SB 268: 19-5-406(c)