Bill > S811

This bill, titled the Halal and Kosher Food Act of 2013, aims to amend the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to ensure that individuals observing Kosher (food prepared according to Jewish dietary laws) and Halal (food prepared according to Islamic dietary laws) dietary requirements have better access to appropriate food through the emergency food assistance program. Specifically, it directs the Secretary to develop and implement a plan to increase the purchase of Kosher and Halal food from certified manufacturers, provided that the cost is comparable to non-certified food. Additionally, the bill mandates changes to how food items, or "commodities," are labeled within the program's list, so that food banks specializing in Kosher and Halal food can more easily identify and obtain suitable items from local food banks.