Senate committee advances plan to create an Office of Food Security and Affordability

Senator Hurtado told the committee SB 1025 would create a central coordinating office to improve enrollment, reduce duplication, and connect food banks, state departments and community partners. "Think of this as a bridge, not a replacement," she said, describing a 24‑hour hunger hotline, data‑driven gap analysis and a 10‑year sunset date (01/01/2037).

Members across the dais welcomed the intent but pressed the author for specifics on oversight and performance reporting. Senator Archuleta asked whether the office would have the operational capacity to coordinate supplies during disasters; Hurtado said yes, and described the office as a hub able to shuffle resources statewide. Other members asked for reporting requirements and evaluation metrics to ensure the office is reducing food insecurity rather than merely adding bureaucracy.

Hurtado said the measure is designed to reduce duplication among at least five departments that currently administer food programs and that she is open to further amendments to add guardrails and reporting requirements. The committee moved SB 1025 to appropriations (reported in the transcript with a roll call showing the committee reported the bill with votes recorded).