The council shall:

1. (1) assess annually the status of hunger, nutrition, and nutrition education in South Carolina;
2. (2) identify annually the need for food assistance and nutrition education;
3. (3) assess annually the adequacy of the service delivery system to meet the identified needs. The council shall consider issues such as accessibility, availability, and suitability of services;
4. (4) develop a three-year service plan to meet the identified needs. The plan shall address issues such as planning, financing, staffing, and training. The plan must include measurable objectives and outcomes and must be submitted to the General Assembly for approval;
5. (5) develop and oversee a three-year implementation plan. The plan shall identify responsible parties and set deadlines for implementing the recommendations and the service plan. The council shall monitor the implementation plan quarterly and update it annually;
6. (6) identify and recommend state policies and goals with regard to food assistance and nutrition education that are the basis for plan and program development. The plan must place emphasis on nutrition education. The council shall review and comment on plans and implementation of plans which address hunger and nutrition issues including the State Health Plan and the report of the Interim Study Committee on Hunger and Nutrition in South Carolina;
7. (7) initiate community awareness activities regarding hunger and nutritional health and education issues. The plan must include information regarding available services. Community awareness activities shall give a priority to rural areas;
8. (8) submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Governor by July first of each year. The report must include information on activities of the council related to its goals and objectives, a progress report on the implementation of the three-year service plan, recommendations regarding state policy and programs, and a progress report on initiation of mandated duties.