Rules Committee backs Food Empowerment Market pilot, new DPH report and reauthorization of Food Security Task Force

The Rules Committee on Monday recommended to the full Board a three‑ordinance package intended to reshape how San Francisco distributes food assistance: a special fund and grants for nonprofit operators to run Food Empowerment Markets, a new biannual Department of Public Health Food Security and Equity Report, and a reauthorization and sunset extension for the Food Security Task Force.

Sponsor Supervisor Asha Safaei said the ordinances are interlocking steps to "reimagine how we distribute food and provide food‑related services to our most vulnerable residents." She described Food Empowerment Markets as community facilities where people can select culturally appropriate food with dignity and access related services, and said an initial pilot would prioritize District 11. "Being able to go into a free food market and select food of your choice to cook should be a basic right to all of us," Safaei said.

Paula Jones, DPH Director of Food Security and vice chair of the Food Security Task Force, said the proposed biannual Food Security and Equity Report will pull in data from multiple city departments, add an economic‑development section led by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and help the city analyze inequities and recommend funding and programmatic changes.

HSA presenters described proposed program rules: markets must meet specified characteristics (delivery for residents with access difficulty was added), grantees would have up to two years after award to open required kitchens, and each market would have a district food liaison to coordinate outreach and liaise with the Food Security Task Force. Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson advised the committee that the fund was drafted as a Category 4 fund (allowing interest accumulation and carryforward but not automatic appropriations). HSA staff estimated initial pilot costs in the $4–5 million per year range for four markets, with initial funding covering a condensed first half‑year as the city refines operational plans and an RFP process.

Public commenters praised the Task Force and urged culturally appropriate food and a needs assessment before expanding the pilot. The committee approved the agreed amendments and voted to forward the package as committee reports to the full Board for a hearing the next day.