SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 72

(By Senators Azinger, Beach, Boley, Clements, Grady, Plymale, Roberts, Romano, Stollings, Unger, and Rucker)

[Originating in the Committee on Education; reported on April 7, 2021]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the possible programs and procedures which can be implemented by county boards of education to facilitate summer and non-school-day feeding programs to prevent child food insecurity.

Whereas, More than 5,300,000 children nationally and one in five children in West Virginia live in a household that is food insecure; and

Whereas, Over 65 percent of school-aged children in West Virginia qualify for free or reduced-price meals; and

Whereas, Inadequate access to food places children at risk for health problems, obesity, nutrient deficiencies, and difficulties with learning and discipline; and

Whereas, Food insecurity for children continues when they are not in school, such as after school, snow days, during summer vacation, or extended breaks; and

Whereas, Innovative ideas and partnerships between county boards of education and other organizations are vital to ensure that children have access to nutritious, healthy, and sufficient food in and out of school; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the possible programs and procedures which can be implemented by county boards of education to facilitate summer and non-school-day feeding programs to prevent child food insecurity; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance create a matrix containing the programs and resources available to each county board of education which can be used to address and prevent child food insecurity; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study examine potential partnerships with social and civic groups, food pantries and food banks, faith-based initiatives, and corporate partnerships to aid county boards of education in providing food to students outside of the school day; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study include recommendations for increasing efficiency in the delivery of the feeding programs to prevent child food insecurity as well as for streamlining coordination between all parties involved in the delivery of the feeding programs; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from the legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.