SENATE RESOLUTION 7

(By Senators Lindsay, Hamilton, Caputo, Baldwin, Stollings, and Jeffries)

[Introduced January 17, 2022]

Designating January 18, 2022, as Hunger-Free West Virginia Day.

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

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

Whereas, Before the pandemic 250,000 West Virginians struggled with food insecurity. Now, more than 320,000 of our neighbors are food insecure; and

Whereas, Hunger impacts hard-working West Virginia families, seniors, veterans, and our youngest West Virginians; and

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

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

Whereas, Many West Virginia 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 35.4 million pounds of food in 2021; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates January 18, 2022, as Hunger-Free West Virginia Day.