2024 -- H 7348

========

LC003621

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING JANUARY 30, 2024, TO BE "RHODE ISLAND FOOD INSECURITY

AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Tanzi, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kislak,
Speakman, J. Lombardi, Hull, Felix, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, In 2023, a record number of Rhode Islanders needed food assistance due to

high food prices, the steep rise in housing costs, and the end of COVID-19 relief programs; and

     WHEREAS, According to the 2023 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island, 29 percent

of Rhode Island households are unable to meet their basic food needs; and

     WHEREAS, Communities of color and families with children are at the greatest risk of

hunger; and

     WHEREAS, Food pantries in Rhode Island assisted an average of 77,500 people a month

in 2023; and

     WHEREAS, A recent Rhode Island food cost study showed that food prices went up by

11 percent from July 2022 to July 2023, adding to already inflated prices from the previous year;

and

     WHEREAS, From July of 2022 through June of 2023, the Rhode Island Community

Food Bank ("Food Bank") distributed 16.2 million pounds of food through its 143-member

agencies across Rhode Island, which included 3.7 million pounds of fresh produce and 2.8

million pounds of culturally relevant foods; and

     WHEREAS, During 2023, beginning on July 1, the Food Bank will spend $8 million on

food acquisition in order to keep pace with the high demand for food assistance especially among

families with children and people of color; now, therefore be it

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island is committed to addressing the health and

wellbeing of its residents by continuing public awareness of increased food insecurity and

seeking ways to address this increased need; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims January 30, 2024, to be "Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day" and moreover

thanks the dedicated members and contributors to the State’s 143 food bank agencies for their

efforts to feed and provide for the hungry, the vulnerable, and those in need; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Andrew Schiff, Executive Director of the

Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

========

LC003621

========

LC003621 - Page 2 of 2