Existing federal law establishes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides assistance to certain low-income families for the purchase of food. (7 U.S.C. §§ 2011 et seq.) Existing state law requires the Department of Health and Human Services to administer that Program in this State. (NRS 422A.338) Section 2 of this bill requires, to the extent that money is available for such purposes, the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department to establish and carry out a program to supplement the supply of food available to recipients of benefits provided under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program using mechanisms designed to identify surplus food and distribute such surplus food to recipients at a discount. Section 2 also requires the Division to adopt a plan for the program that includes a system to: (1) reduce food waste using technology to redirect surplus food to areas in which recipients are experiencing a higher need for affordable and healthier food; (2) reduce food insecurity for recipients; and (3) increase access to food for senior citizens. Section 3 of this bill creates the Surplus Food Assistance Account in the State General Fund, to be administered by the Administrator of the Division and used only to carry out the program established by section 2. Section 3 also: (1) authorizes the Administrator to apply for and accept gifts, grants, bequests and other contributions; (2) requires that any such money be deposited in the Account; and (3) provides for the nonreversion of the money in the Account to the State General Fund. Section 4 of this bill makes a conforming change as a result of the creation of this Account. Section 5 of this bill makes an appropriation to the Surplus Food Assistance Account for the program established by section 2.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 422A.232
BDR: 422A.232