SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 143

WHEREAS, The Texas Senate is pleased to recognize the members of Feeding Texas for their invaluable work on behalf of low-income families across the state; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1986, Feeding Texas consists of 21 food banks that provide service to all 254 Texas counties through approximately 3,000 community agencies; and

WHEREAS, To further the goal of reducing hunger and improving health in our state, many public-private partnerships have been created, including the Texans Feeding Texans Surplus Agricultural Products Grant Program; this innovative program seeks to facilitate the donation of surplus food to feed low-income families across Texas; and

WHEREAS, By offsetting the costs of harvesting, packaging, and transportation, the Surplus Agricultural Products Grant Program offers incentives to growers to donate fresh produce that would otherwise be left in the field; this initiative has resulted in more than 150 million pounds of surplus produce being distributed across the state; and

WHEREAS, Network members have established a partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide nutrition education and obesity prevention services in combination with fresh produce distribution; this initiative is called "Feeding with Impact" and seeks to improve the dietary health of low-income Texans; and

WHEREAS, Network members have also established a partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide client education and application assistance for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, which greatly increases the efficiency of the eligibility-determination process; and

WHEREAS, Feeding Texas created the Second Chance program, which allows inmates of the criminal justice system to gain valuable work experience and certifications through volunteer efforts at the food banks; and

WHEREAS, It is truly fitting that Feeding Texas and its food banks be recognized for their many contributions to the well-being of the citizens of our state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend Feeding Texas on its exemplary efforts to ensure that all Texans have access to nutritious food and extend to its members best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this organization. Perry

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 7, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate