HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-13 Letter to Chair Mizuno re SB 2398, SD 2 Relating to SNAPHarry Kim
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Barbara J. Kossow
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March 13, 2018
Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair
Committee on Health and Human Services
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 329
Honolulu, H 96813
Dear Chair Mizuno and Committee Members:
Re: SB 2398, SD 2 Relating to SNAP
Hearing Date: 03-15-18 – 10:00 am; House Conference Room 329
Thank you for this opportunity to support the concept behind SB 2398, SD 2.
The original SB 2398 proposed to build on a 1g Island pilot program that was launched
by food retailer KTA and our local Food Basket. By providing funds that can only be used to
purchase locally -grown produce, food stamp recipients are incentivized to buy healthy fruits and
vegetables; local farmers gain new customers and make more money; and more food dollars
stay in the local economy.
SB 2398, SD 2 still limits purchases to fresh fruit and vegetables, but would allow a
person to shop at a farmersmarket or any other direct food retailer. Depending on the
definition of "direct food retailer (which does not seem to appear in the bill) this might dilute the
local" aspect of the program by allowing the purchase at institutions that acquire their produce
from overseas suppliers. lam not sure that is a positive amendment, but at least the food
stamp users would still be getting nutritional benefits. Or perhaps it is possible to open the
progra to all retailers but limit the use of the bonus stamps to local produce only, rather than
all fresh produce regardless of source.
If you were to substitute language in the companion bifl, H 2670, HD 2, I would be
concerned that not all SNAP beneficiaries necessarily have easy access to a farmers' market.
Therefore, I defer to others whether HB 2670, HD 2, or SB 2398, SD 2, is a better approach.
Perhaps the third option—all retailers and farmers' markets participate but only local produce
qualifies—would be even better. In any case, !think this is a program that should be
encouraged, and 1 hope you will act favorably on this measure.
Res eptfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.