E.O. 24-18: EXECUTIVE ORDER CONCERNING FOOD INSECURITY IN ARKANSAS

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:

WHEREAS: According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Arkansas has the highest level of food insecurity in the nation. In Arkansas, 567,110 people are facing hunger, and of that number, 168,430 are children. According to Feeding America, that is 1 in 5 Arkansans and 1 in 4 Arkansas children. It's clear that our state is in critical need of comprehensive solutions to address these sobering statistics and ensure that all Arkansans have access to sufficient and nutritious food.

WHEREAS: It is the policy of my administration to increase the efficiency of state government to better serve the citizens of Arkansas. The State of Arkansas can help meet the current needs of Arkansans by identifying regulatory burdens that may hinder state agencies from contributing to the fight against hunger.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby order the following:

1. All department secretaries are directed to conduct a thorough review of the regulations, policies, and procedures of their agencies to identify any items that may be contributing to or exacerbating food insecurity in Arkansas. This includes, but is not limited to, regulations related to food distribution, eligibility criteria for food assistance programs, and interagency coordination.
2. Department secretaries shall submit a report to the Governor's Office within 60 days of the issuance of this Executive Order. The report should detail any identified unnecessary regulatory burdens, their impacts on food insecurity, and recommendations for repeal or amendment.
3. Based on the reports submitted, the Governor's Office will direct departments to develop a plan for repealing or amending regulations that impede efforts to reduce food insecurity.
4. The Governor's Office will facilitate collaboration among the departments to ensure that regulatory changes are effectively implemented and that departments are aligned in their efforts to combat food insecurity.
5. This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until the completion of the actions ordered herein.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 29^th day of October, in the year of our Lord 2024.