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Rules Committee reauthorizes Food Security Task Force, flags SNAP funding risks
Summary
The committee voted to reauthorize San Francisco's Food Security Task Force for three years and heard testimony about the group's role connecting city agencies, nonprofits and the private sector — speakers warned pending federal cuts to SNAP/CalFresh could increase local need.
The Rules Committee voted July 19 to forward an ordinance reauthorizing the city's Food Security Task Force for another three years, following a presentation by Paula Jones of the Department of Public Health and public comment from nonprofit providers.
Paula Jones said the task force — established in 2005 — brings together city agencies, community organizations, health systems and private partners to improve food access, nutrition education and coordination of federal nutrition programs. The task force coordinates monthly, serves as the city's food-policy body and helps leverage federal and local funding for food programs.
Public commenters including Gail Priestley of St. Anthony Foundation emphasized the task force's role in incubating public-private partnerships and warned that proposed federal cuts in SNAP/CalFresh in the Farm Bill would increase demand for city services. Jones and speakers urged continuing the task force to manage rising food insecurity, with attention to seniors and program outreach.
Supervisor Campos moved to send the ordinance forward with a positive recommendation; the motion carried without opposition. The committee requested continued attention to SNAP funding trends and asked the task force to return with subsequent recommendations and nominations for membership.
