SENATE RESOLUTION 15

(By Senators Jeffries, Hamilton, Swope, Caputo, and Plymale)

[Introduced January 25, 2023]

Designating January 26, 2023, as Hunger-Free West Virginia Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, The West Virginia Senate recognizes food insecurity is prevalent in our communities, with 1-in-7 West Virginians not knowing where their next meal will come from; and

Whereas, The continuing COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent inflation has increased hunger and highlighted the importance of our state’s charitable food network system; and

Whereas, More than 200,000 West Virginians struggle with food insecurity; and

Whereas, Hunger impacts hard-working West Virginian families, seniors, and our youngest citizens; and

Whereas, Children are at a higher risk of hunger, with 1-in-5 children not having enough to eat.  Respectively, food insecurity adversely impacts a child’s ability to learn and grow; and

Whereas, More than 10,000 West Virginian veterans struggle with hunger; and

Whereas, Many West Virginian seniors facing hunger have to decide between buying nutritious foods or paying other bills; and

Whereas, West Virginia has a strong network of non-profits fighting food insecurity, including two food banks and more than 600 community feeding partner programs.  Together, Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Food Bank, along with partners, distributed more than 33 million pounds of food throughout our state in 2022; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates January 26, 2023, as Hunger-Free West Virginia Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the representatives of Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank.