Committee extends Food Security Task Force through 2018, cites $4 million in new funding

The Rules Committee voted to recommend reauthorizing the city—s Food Security Task Force through July 2018 and to adopt non-substantive changes clarifying member attendance and meeting frequency.

Supervisor Eric Marr told the committee that a budget-and-legislative analyst—s assessment shows roughly one-quarter of the city—s residents face food insecurity and that the task force—s decade-long work has improved coordination across departments and community groups. "Because of the incredible work of a 10 year old task force in our city, the food security task force, we're much more aware of the huge needs there are especially for seniors and people with disabilities and children and families that are in need of food security," Marr said.

Terry Oley, chair of the Food Security Task Force and director of policy and advocacy for the San Francisco Marin Food Bank, described the task force—s cross-sector membership, regular meetings and outreach. Oley said the task force has helped the city identify concrete steps toward reducing hunger and supported a recent city funding increase of $4,000,000 dedicated to programs to reduce child and senior hunger. He also supported amendments adding attendance requirements and a requirement to meet at least once every four months.

Supervisor Tang moved to adopt the amendments and forward the ordinance with a positive recommendation to the full Board; Supervisor Marr (sponsor) and Supervisor Cohen supported the measure and it was taken without objection. The full Board will consider final action at a later date.