The House Committee on Human Services

82nd Legislature

May 22, 2012

10:00 a.m.

E1.030

Pursuant to a notice posted on April 25, 2012, the House Committee on Human Services met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Raymond, at 10:27 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Raymond; Gonzalez, Naomi; Hunter; and Taylor, Van.

The committee met to hear invited and public testimony on the following interim charge: Identify policies to alleviate food insecurity, increase access to healthy foods, and incent good nutrition within existing food assistance programs. Consider initiatives in Texas and other states to eliminate food deserts and grocery gaps, encourage urban agriculture and farmers' markets, and increase participation in the Summer Food Program. Evaluate the desirability and feasibility of incorporating nutritional standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Monitor congressional activity on the 2012 Farm Bill and consider its impact on Texas.

(Representative Naishtat now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Hunter in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Raymond in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 5:53 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Raymond, Chair

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Jim Terrell, Clerk