Nevada lawmakers propose AB 474 to reduce food waste and enhance SNAP benefits
May 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 474, a proposed legislation aimed at reducing perishable food waste and enhancing the purchasing power of families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Nevada.
The bill seeks to establish a surplus food assistance account within the state general fund, which would be managed by the Division of Welfare Services. This initiative is designed to help low-income families, including the elderly and single adults, access healthier food options. Notably, it was emphasized that 80% of SNAP recipients are not on public assistance, countering common misconceptions about the program.
A key component of AB 474 involves the development of artificial intelligence technology to assist grocers in optimizing their inventory of perishable foods. This technology aims to help retailers better understand local purchasing trends, allowing them to adjust orders based on specific ZIP codes. By doing so, grocers can offer discounts on perishable items, ultimately providing SNAP users with more value for their benefits.
Nevada is among the states most reliant on SNAP, and with anticipated cuts to the program, the timing of this legislation is seen as critical. The bill aims to address food waste, which is a significant issue in Nevada, with an average of eight pounds of food waste per person. The initiative is distinct from food bank operations, focusing on the front end of food distribution rather than the rescue of unsold food.
Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on food banks, but proponents clarified that the bill targets grocers who accept SNAP, ensuring that food banks can continue their operations without disruption. The program is expected to include ongoing management, user support, and software deployment, with successful pilot programs already launched in Delaware and other states showing promising results, including a reported 30% increase in the value of SNAP benefits for users.
The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of this legislation in addressing food insecurity and waste, setting the stage for further developments as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
The bill seeks to establish a surplus food assistance account within the state general fund, which would be managed by the Division of Welfare Services. This initiative is designed to help low-income families, including the elderly and single adults, access healthier food options. Notably, it was emphasized that 80% of SNAP recipients are not on public assistance, countering common misconceptions about the program.
A key component of AB 474 involves the development of artificial intelligence technology to assist grocers in optimizing their inventory of perishable foods. This technology aims to help retailers better understand local purchasing trends, allowing them to adjust orders based on specific ZIP codes. By doing so, grocers can offer discounts on perishable items, ultimately providing SNAP users with more value for their benefits.
Nevada is among the states most reliant on SNAP, and with anticipated cuts to the program, the timing of this legislation is seen as critical. The bill aims to address food waste, which is a significant issue in Nevada, with an average of eight pounds of food waste per person. The initiative is distinct from food bank operations, focusing on the front end of food distribution rather than the rescue of unsold food.
Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on food banks, but proponents clarified that the bill targets grocers who accept SNAP, ensuring that food banks can continue their operations without disruption. The program is expected to include ongoing management, user support, and software deployment, with successful pilot programs already launched in Delaware and other states showing promising results, including a reported 30% increase in the value of SNAP benefits for users.
The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of this legislation in addressing food insecurity and waste, setting the stage for further developments as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
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