| R 067 |
| 2025 -- H 5239 Enacted 01/30/2025 |
| 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 |
| 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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| LC000208 |
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