HB 2548-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that, though many people in Washington have been assisted by the food stamp program, there are significant numbers of eligible families who do not receive food stamps. One of the barriers to receiving food stamps is the burdensome application process. The legislature finds that it is important to take steps to increase access and participation in the food stamp program.

Declares that the purpose of the food bank outreach program is to improve access to department of social and health services food assistance programs by coordinating with existing food bank sites. The pilot program is designed to locate a department of social and health services intake worker at each pilot site a minimum of one time per week in order to improve access to department programs and services.

Directs the department to implement the food bank outreach pilot program no later than January 1, 2005.

Directs the department to select six pilot sites with three sites to be located in eastern Washington and three sites to be located in western Washington. To be eligible as a pilot site, the site must consist of an organization that provides food to hungry and low-income individuals.

Expires December 31, 2005.

Requires the department to submit a report to the legislature that summarizes the effectiveness of the program by December 31, 2005.