HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1892

Title:  An act relating to hunger in Washington;  creating new sections;  making appropriations; and providing an expiration date.

Brief Description: Providing for a hunger survey project.

Sponsors:  Representatives Kagi and D. Sommers.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 15, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background: In 1991, the legislature passed an omnibus anti-hunger and nutrition bill that outlined provisions for addressing issues of hunger in Washington state.  The legislation increased participation in the supplemental food program for women, infants and children,  expanded the emergency food assistance program to provide additional support for the operation of food banks and increased school based nutrition programs.

In August of 1998,  a hunger summit was held in Seattle.   Development of a statewide hunger survey was one of the major outcomes of the summit.  The goal of a survey is to  provide policy makers with reliable information on the effectiveness of the initiatives passed in 1991 and the current status of hunger in the general population.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Health will administer and coordinate a hunger survey.  The survey will determine: the prevalence of hunger in the total population and among low income families; the characteristics of hungry families and the methods used by hungry families to cope with shortages.

The Department of Health will provide a final report to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 2000.  A total of $200,000 is requested for the project. $125,000 is requested for  the first year of the biennium,  and $75,000 for the second year of the biennium.

Appropriation:  $125,000.00.

Fiscal Note:  None.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.