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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The San Antonio Food Bank is playing an increasingly |
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vital role during a time of unprecedented need; and |
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WHEREAS, Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAFB has |
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increased food distribution by 30 percent in order to help the |
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rising number of people in financial distress; although health |
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measures have closed many of the organization's traditional sources |
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of food donations, including convention center restaurants, |
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hotels, and caterers, it has built new partnerships and drawn |
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support from the community in order for its kitchens to double the |
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number of people they feed weekly, from 60,000 to 120,000; and |
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WHEREAS, Founded in 1980, SAFB has grown to serve people |
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across Southwest Texas, with client service agencies in 16 counties |
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that distribute both perishable and nonperishable food items; in |
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2017, it opened the New Braunfels Food Bank, which serves Comal and |
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Guadalupe Counties, and its Mobile Mercado brings locally grown |
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produce and other healthy foods to residents of food deserts; SAFB |
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cultivates 25 acres at its urban farm and an additional 50 acres at |
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the National Park Service's Mission San Juan Capistrano, a World |
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Heritage site, where it replicates traditional farming methods and |
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maintains a historic demonstration garden for visitors; and |
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WHEREAS, SAFB spends a mere two percent on overhead, allowing |
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it to devote 98 percent of its resources to its mission; while |
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addressing immediate needs, it also promotes long-term food |
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security and good nutrition through job placement and food and |
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wellness education; the organization's holistic approach to |
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nourishment encompasses programs for children and an initiative |
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that enables struggling families and individuals to continue caring |
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for their pets; and |
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WHEREAS, For more than four decades, the San Antonio Food |
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Bank has battled hunger in the area, and by redoubling its efforts |
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during the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has made a |
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positive difference in the lives of thousands of Texans; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor the San Antonio Food Bank for its service |
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and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere |
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best wishes for continued success; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |