PRINTER'S NO. 3972
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1047
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY WHEATLEY, BIZZARRO, THOMAS, HENNESSEY, J. McNEILL,
READSHAW, NEILSON, KINSEY, BURNS, MILLARD, DiGIROLAMO, DUSH,
SONNEY, HILL-EVANS, A. DAVIS, COX, MURT, ROEBUCK,
SCHLOSSBERG, LONGIETTI, YOUNGBLOOD, EVERETT, DRISCOLL,
CALTAGIRONE, WATSON, MENTZER, MARSICO AND KIRKLAND,
SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of September 2018 as "Hunger Action Month"
in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, September 2018 has been designated as "Hunger Action
Month" to provide a unified opportunity for communities in the
United States to focus attention on the persistent problem of
domestic hunger and mobilize efforts to help end hunger in
America; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Agriculture gathers
information and provides statistics related to domestic hunger;
and
WHEREAS, According to a study published by Feeding America,
in 2016, approximately 12.5% or 1.6 million Pennsylvanians,
including 452,690 children, did not always know where they would
find their next meal; and
WHEREAS, Many Pennsylvania households experience hunger, and
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some people in these households frequently skip meals or eat too
little, sometimes going without food for a whole day; and
WHEREAS, Research shows that preschool and school-age
children who experience severe hunger have higher levels of
chronic illness, anxiety, depression and behavioral problems
than children receiving a well-balanced diet; and
WHEREAS, Food-insecure senior citizens have lower nutrient
intakes than food-secure senior citizens and, without proper
nutrients, senior citizens are at increased risk of disability,
deteriorated health conditions, decreased resistance to
infections, lengthened hospital stays, deteriorated mental
health and being underweight; and
WHEREAS, The costs of other essentials, such as home heating,
housing and medical care, have increased significantly and, for
families caught in the squeeze between declining wages and
rising costs, the food budget becomes a frequent pressure point;
and
WHEREAS, Utilization of emergency food assistance becomes a
way for these individuals and families to keep food on the table
while still paying the bills; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania food banks serve approximately 2
million people annually, including more than 482,000 children
and more than 246,000 senior citizens; and
WHEREAS, Individuals, charities, businesses and government
all have a role to play in getting food to those in need; and
WHEREAS, Food banks, food rescue organizations, soup
kitchens, food pantries, faith-based organizations, businesses
and individuals are donating time, raising funds and giving food
to help their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvanians benefiting from the nutrition
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assistance programs and services range from infants and toddlers
to school-age children and adolescents to single parents, two-
parent families, veterans and their families, people with
disabilities and senior citizens; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of September 2018 as "Hunger Action Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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