House Bill 1723 was presented as a bipartisan, unanimously supported bill directing the state to assess how federal USDA nutrition programs reach Virginians in need. The bill grew from the work of the Commission to End Hunger, which began work July 1 and heard testimony pointing to barriers that prevent federal food aid from reaching some families.

The bill’s patron, Delegate Price, said the intent is to direct the Department to study “accessibility and efficacy of the USDA programs” and make recommendations so federal dollars coming to the state reach intended recipients. Supporters at the hearing included David Parsons of LeadingAge Virginia, Wes Gibson of the Virginia Education Association, Emily Moore of Voices for Virginia’s Children, and Emily Hardy of the Virginia Poverty Law Center.

Witnesses emphasized students, seniors and families as key populations that could benefit from improved access to USDA-funded programs. The committee moved to report HB 1723 to Appropriations; the motion was seconded and recorded, and the bill will go to the full committee.

The transcript does not include a fiscal estimate for the study or the department that would lead the work. The bill’s next step is consideration by the Appropriations Committee.