Food security strategy

AN ACT Relating to developing a statewide food security strategy; 1
creating new sections; and providing expiration dates.2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:3
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature intends to provide for 4
the development of a strategy for statewide food security in order to 5
end hunger, reduce diet-related environmental health disparities, and 6
increase agricultural sustainability and resilience.7
(2) This section expires July 1, 2028. 8
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The department of agriculture shall 9
develop a strategy to enhance statewide food security in order to end 10
hunger, reduce environmental health disparities, and increase 11
agricultural sustainability and resilience. The department shall 12
convene the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the 13
department of health, the department of social and health services, 14
the state conservation commission, the office of farmland 15
preservation, the department of ecology, the University of 16
Washington, Washington State University, members of the food policy 17
forum, and nonprofit hunger relief organizations to develop the 18
strategy. The department of agriculture must also consult with 19
H-1388.2
HOUSE BILL 1987
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Reeves, Parshley, Pollet, and Ramel
Read first time 02/17/25. Referred to Committee on Agriculture &
Natural Resources.
p. 1 HB 1987
nonprofit, research, public sector, and private sector experts on 1
agricultural resilience and food access when developing the strategy.2
(2) At a minimum, the strategy must address the following:3
(a) Define statewide food security in terms of food access and 4
affordability; 5
(b) Build statewide agricultural resilience by:6
(i) Identifying barriers to farming and ways to encourage 7
agricultural job creation and retention; 8
(ii) Identifying ways to support land access and maintenance;9
(iii) Identifying ways to provide for adaptability in 10
agricultural practices; and 11
(iv) Identifying ways to provide for adaptability in zoning and 12
land use for agricultural production; 13
(c) Build long-term food security by: 14
(i) Encouraging urban agriculture; 15
(ii) Integrating nutrition and health; 16
(iii) Identifying ways to empower all consumers to make and have 17
access to healthy food; 18
(iv) Support physical activity for all; and 19
(v) Enhance nutrition and food security research.20
(3) The department of agriculture shall provide the statewide 21
food security strategy, in conformance with RCW 43.01.036, to the 22
appropriate committees of the legislature by July 1, 2027.23
(4) This section expires July 1, 2028. 24
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p. 2 HB 1987