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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to establishing the food systems office to promote food |
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security. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Title 2, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding |
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Chapter 22 to read as follows: |
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CHAPTER 22. FOOD SECURITY |
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Sec. 22.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "office" means |
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the food systems office within the department. |
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Sec. 22.002. FOOD SYSTEMS OFFICE. (a) The food systems |
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office is established within the department. |
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(b) The office shall develop programs that support food |
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access and food security for Texas residents. The office shall |
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encourage and coordinate food security planning in this state for: |
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(1) establishing more localized food markets through |
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measures such as connecting local schools, retailers, and |
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distributors to local producers and collaborating with local |
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stakeholders to expand food delivery areas and providing buying |
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support to small retailers; |
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(2) creating streamlined and consolidated application |
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processes for multiple programs through a clearinghouse for public |
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assistance programs, farmer and distribution support programs, |
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opportunities for retail development, and food access business |
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development information and resources; |
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(3) establishing a communication network of local, |
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state, federal non-governmental, and for-profit entities and |
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programs operating in and relating to the food system in this state; |
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(4) assisting farmers in contributing to food security |
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such as by developing and providing information and resources |
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regarding local food production and food markets; |
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(5) collecting and monitoring information, such as |
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local poverty rates and measures of food access, to identify food |
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deserts and other communities or populations experiencing food |
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insecurity and to assist and coordinate applications for relevant |
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federal and state benefits; and |
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(6) focusing on community empowerment and resiliency |
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to ensure the office is providing individuals with food access |
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support. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |