Posted: | July 17, 2024 11:39 AM |
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From: | Senator Elder A. Vogel, Jr. |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Designating September 2024 as Hunger Action Month in Pennsylvania |
In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution designating September 2024 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 nearly 13 million, 1 in 8 Pennsylvanians face hunger – that is 1,538,100 residents continuing to go hungry with 436,250 of those being children. We are seeing families continue to make the impossible decision of whether to purchase food or pay for their mortgage, medication, or childcare. 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 SR322