Bill Overview
Title: End Veteran Hunger Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a five-year pilot program to make grants to eligible entities (e.g., nonprofit organizations, veterans service organizations, or government agencies) to support partnerships that address food insecurity among veterans and their family members, including veterans who utilize Vet Center services and those who have recently transitioned from serving as members of the Armed Forces to civilian life.
Sponsors: Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-53]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans and their family members experiencing food insecurity
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill targets veterans experiencing food insecurity.
- It includes veterans who use Vet Center services.
- It applies to veterans who have recently transitioned out of the armed forces to civilian life.
- Food insecurity is an issue affecting a significant number of veterans and their families.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy includes veterans and their family members experiencing food insecurity, which is estimated to be 2 million in the U.S.
- The policy budget is limited, potentially reaching a fraction of those affected initially, expanding as more funding becomes available over the years.
- Focus on a mix of direct beneficiaries and people indirectly impacted or not impacted at all, for a realistic cross-section.
- Consider non-target population as part of understanding broader societal context and opinions on policy validity.
Simulated Interviews
unemployed veteran (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could really help my family put food on the table while I adjust to civilian life.
- The support is much needed as many veterans are struggling with food insecurity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
part-time waitress (California)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've often worried about where my next meal is coming from.
- This policy could mean fewer difficult choices about paying for food versus medication.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
delivery driver (Florida)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It could make life less stressful living paycheck to paycheck.
- Partnering with local food banks seems like a smart move.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
student (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will close huge gaps for many veterans like me who have families to feed.
- My focus can shift to getting through school.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
retired (Ohio)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I applaud the policy but remain concerned about its accessibility for older vets.
- It's a start towards addressing an issue many face in silence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
nonprofit coordinator (Colorado)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The funding should empower organizations like ours to expand services significantly.
- Veterans' food security should be a priority and this policy highlights that.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
fast food worker (Wisconsin)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This gives hope that there are programs aimed at helping vets like me who struggle with basic needs.
- Would help me to worry less about food and focus on training for a better job.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
retired farmer (Alabama)
Age: 73 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Though beneficial, not sure how much this would help older vets with specific needs.
- Hope the program involves partnerships with community groups we trust.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
teacher (Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a relief knowing there's additional help for food, especially during school breaks.
- People underestimate just how many veterans are food insecure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
veteran affairs coordinator (New Mexico)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anticipate an increase in effective partnerships assisting veterans deeply affected by food insecurity.
- Look forward to seeing real, meaningful change over the next few years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 3: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 5: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 10: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 100: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Key Considerations
- The program specifically targets food insecurity among veterans, a critical social issue.
- There is an expectation of broad support from veteran-focused groups, enhancing the program's likelihood of successful implementation.
- The impact on local economies can be positive due to increased demand in food and service industries.
- Given the substantial budget requirement, there may be scrutiny on effective use and distribution of funds.