HB 1801

Brief Description: Concerning Washington state food purchasing policy.

Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Ladenburg, Cody, Billig, Clibborn, Moeller and Hunt.

Hearing Date: 2/14/11

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Procurement.The Department of General Administration (GA) sets policy and procedure for state procurement, including the development and administration of contracts for goods and services. The estimated term value of these contracts is approximately $400 million on behalf of state agencies, colleges and universities, select nonprofit organizations, and local governments. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction's (OSPI) procurement policy is consistent with state and federal procurement regulations. Subject to specified conditions, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorizes states to implement geographic preferences when purchases are made from USDA Child Nutrition Program funds.

United States Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program.The 2002 federal farm bill created a pilot program to provide free fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to students in participating schools. Separate from schools' existing meals programs, the snack program is intended to increase children's fruit and vegetable consumption to promote better health. Implemented by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, the $6 million pilot program provided grants to 25 schools in each of six states and one Indian tribe. The schools used the funds to purchase their choice of snacks. In 2004 Congress made the program permanent and expanded it to eight states and three Indian tribes.

Local Farms Healthy Kids Act.

In 2008 the Legislature passed the Local Farms-Healthy Kids Act (Act), intended to strengthen links between state agriculture and state food procurement as a method to expand local markets, improve nutrition, and benefit the environment. The Act created four programs:

• the Farm-to-School Program administered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture;

• the Washington Grown Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant Program administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction;

• the Farmers Market Technology Improvement Pilot Program administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS); and

• the Farmers-to-Food Banks Pilot Program administered by the Department of Commerce.

Summary of Bill:

State Agency Food Purchasing Policies.

By July 1, 2012, the Department of General Administration (GA), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), is required to adopt a model food purchasing policy. Its purpose is to establish policies, applicable to all state agencies, for all food: (1) purchased by agencies for their employees and guests at meetings: or (2) made available to agency employees in vending machines or through on site vendors.

By July, 1, 2012, the DSHS and the Department of Corrections (DOC) are required to develop a food purchasing policy for food served to persons in agency custody or who reside in agency institutions.

These food purchasing policies must strongly encourage affected agencies to procure food grown in Washington state.

The food authorized under these policies must be consistent with specified minimum standards regarding types, nutritional characteristics, and portion sizes. These standards include requirements regarding:

• sugar, salt, and fat content;

• preferred protein sources, including seafood, fish, and lean meats;

• whole grains and high fiber;

• fried foods and the use of healthy oils;

• preferred food preparation methods;

• portion sizes and calorie intake;

• percentage of saturated fats;

• nutritional characteristics of snacks; and

• snacks and beverages sold in vending machines or through on-site vendors.

State Agency Reporting Requirements.

By November 15, 2013, the GA must report to the Legislature regarding its model food purchasing policy. The report must include:

• a summary of the implementation of the policy;

• changes needed to the agency's food procurement practices;

• costs or savings realized through the policy;

• efforts made to create pricing incentives or disincentives; and

• recommendations for modifications to policy requirements or food standards.

The DOC and the DSHS must each submit to the Legislature:

• a food policy consistent with the requirements of the act (by January 1, 2013); and

• a report of any revisions of the food policy since its inception; efforts to create pricing incentives or disincentives; and any costs or savings realized through the policy (by September 1, 2013).

Agency Assistance.

The GA and the DOH must assist other agencies attempting to implement food purchasing policies and food standards for people in the agencies custody. Such assistance must include coordinating the purchase and delivery of food.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.