Posted: | July 18, 2023 11:42 AM |
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From: | Senator Elder A. Vogel, Jr. |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Designating September 2023 as Hunger Action Month in Pennsylvania |
Designating September 2023 as Hunger Action Month in Pennsylvania Soon I will be introducing a resolution recognizing September 2023 as “Hunger Action Month” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Hunger continues to be an issue many Pennsylvanians face, especially as inflation rates continue to rise and cost of goods and services increase. With a population of almost 13 million, 1 in 11 Pennsylvanians face hunger – that is 1,219,130 residents continuing to go hungry with 325,170 of those being children. We are seeing more and more families having to decide whether they are going to purchase food or pay for their mortgage, medication, or childcare, which most times feels like an impossible decision to make. Most of these families live in lower income areas with limited access to a local grocery store and healthy food. Access to quality food is essential to live a sustainable, healthy lifestyle and there is no reason for anyone to be in a predicament where they must choose between eating a meal or keep their lights on. Limited or inadequate meals can also lead to a downward spiral of poor health, risks for chronic disease, and increased medical costs which can overburden Pennsylvanians already struggling. As we continue to navigate through the current economic fluctuations, we must be steadfast in the fight to ensure ALL Pennsylvanians have access to adequate, healthy food. Please join me in standing up to hunger and bringing awareness to an issue that impacts millions not only in Pennsylvania, but across our nation. |
Introduced as SR157