2025 -- H 5239

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LC000208

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING JANUARY 30, 2025, TO BE "RHODE ISLAND FOOD INSECURITY

AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Abney, Hull, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Tanzi, Ajello, Kennedy, Fellela, and Noret

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, In 2024, 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 2024 annual Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island,

nearly two out of every five people, or 38% of Rhode Island households, are unable to meet their

basic food needs; and

     WHEREAS, Communities of color are at the greatest risk of hunger, such that while 33%

of white households are food insecure, the food insecurity rate is 47% among Black households,

55% among Latino households, and 47% among all other households (including Asian, Native

American, and more than one race/ethnicity); and

     WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2024, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (“Food Bank”)

distributed 18.3 million pounds of food through its 147 member agencies across Rhode Island;

and

     WHEREAS, The Food Bank’s statewide network of 147 member agencies served 84,400

individuals per month in 2024 (January through September), an increase of 9% from the previous

year when 77,600 people were served monthly; and

     WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2025, the Food Bank will spend $6 million on food acquisition

to keep pace with the high demand for food assistance; and

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

being 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, 2025, to be “Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day” in the State of

Rhode Island; 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, Chief Executive Officer, Rhode

Island Community Food Bank.

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