Senator Whitley Introduces Legislation Aimed at Reducing Food Insecurity
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3375
CONCORD – Today, Senator Becky Whitley (D-Hopkinton) introduced SB 404 to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. SB 404 establishes a supplemental nutrition assistance program outreach program. Following the hearing, the committee moved into Executive Session and voted the bill Ought to Pass with Amendment in a vote of 4-1 with Senator Gray voting against the motion. The bill will next be brought before the full Senate for a vote.
After the hearing, prime sponsor Senator Becky Whitley (D-Hopkinton) issued the following statement:
“Food insecurity was a significant issue in New Hampshire prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and has only been exacerbated by the financial instability of the last two years. However, despite an ongoing need for nutritional assistance, estimates show there were up to 17,000 children eligible for aid who were not receiving it in 2019, as well as tens of thousands of adults who were likely eligible but not enrolled. Through an outreach plan like the one outlined in SB 404, we can improve program participation and help ensure more stable access to food to people who need it.”
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