STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1845

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.R. No. 42

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.R. No. 42 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ISSUE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO PROVIDE MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE STATE DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS PROGRAM TO ALL APPROVED SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RETAIL OUTLETS THROUGHOUT THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture to issue additional funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program to provide matching funds for the expansion of the state Double Up Food Bucks Program to all approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program retail outlets throughout the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, 350Hawaii.org, and Ulupono Initiative. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the state Double Up Food Bucks Program provides a "win-win" scenario by supporting local farmers and ranchers with an increased customer base and helping low-income families receive double the purchasing power for fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and protein.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 42 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

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CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair