ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
appropriations; coordinated
hunger program
Appropriates
an additional $500,000 in state general funds in each of FY 2001-2002 and FY
2002-2003 to the Department of Economic Security (DES) for the coordinated
hunger program.
In 1986, DES implemented a
statewide program to provide coordinated food assistance through food banks and
pantries to low income persons, primarily seniors, children, women and the
working poor. Regional food banks
distribute food to over 300 food pantries and emergency food agencies plus
hundreds of other local agencies. A combination of federal, state and private funds
are used for food bank coordination, food boxes, commodities, gleaned fresh
produce and information on obtaining food. Food sources include the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Second Harvest, grocery store donations, food
drives, gleaning projects and purchases.
The Association of Arizona Food
Banks distributed almost 130 million pounds of food to 466,392 persons in 1999,
a 24 percent increase from the previous year. According to DES, annual food
distribution increased 50 percent from 1990 to 1999 and is expected to increase
another 50 percent over the next two fiscal years.
The state general fund
appropriation for the coordinated hunger program increased from $372,800 in FY
1994-1995 to approximately $1.1 million in FY 1996-1997 and to approximately
$1.3 million in each of FY1998-1999 and FY1999-2000. With nonappropriated
federal funds of more than $1 million per year, DES distributes approximately
$2.3 million annually for coordinated hunger programs. Current budget
recommendations continue the funding at this level.
The bill appropriates an
additional $500,000 from the state general fund to DES in each of FY 2001-2002
and FY 2002-2003 for food assistance through the coordinated hunger program.
1. Appropriates an additional $500,000 from the state general fund to DES in each of FY 2001-2002 and FY2002-2003 for the coordinated hunger program. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
2. Provides for a general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Staff
January 22, 2001