85S12342 BK-D

By: Romero, Jr. H.R. No. 283

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Approximately 48 million Americans struggle with the uncertainty of knowing where their next meal will come from, and across all 50 states, September 2017 is being observed as Hunger Action Month in a concerted effort to combat this critical problem; and

WHEREAS, Despite the fact that the United States is one of the largest food-producing countries in the world, there are children and adults in every county in America who experience hunger; for Americans living in poverty, the choice to spend their paycheck on food is often weighed against concerns about affording their rent, utilities, health care, and other needs, and many families are just one layoff or medical emergency away from food insecurity; and

WHEREAS, Hunger inflicts a heavy toll on certain groups, including older Americans, but it has an especially devastating impact on the youngest and most vulnerable among us; without adequate nutrition, children suffer from physical and mental fatigue, have difficulty concentrating in school, exhibit impaired growth, and are more likely to develop emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues; and

WHEREAS, Hunger Action Month was established in 2008 by Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks that is the country's leading domestic hunger relief charity; the goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about hunger and mobilize Americans to get involved by donating, volunteering, educating others, and advocating for hunger relief programs; and

WHEREAS, Hunger Action Month 2017 offers a fitting opportunity to focus attention on this important issue and to encourage Texans to learn more about the ways they can take part in the fight against hunger in their communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby recognize September 2017 as Hunger Action Month.