SJR17 BECK TKEAN 0 §§12 C362249 & 362250

SJR17 BECK, T.KEAN

0

§§1,2 -

C.36:2-249 &

36:2-250

P.L.2015, Joint Resolution No. 4, approved August 10, 2015

Senate Joint Resolution No. 17

A Joint Resolution permanently designating September as "Hunger Action Month" in New Jersey.

Whereas, Food insecurity exists when a person lacks secure access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food for normal growth, development, and an active and healthy life. In 2010, 49 million Americans experienced food insecurity; and

Whereas, Lack of access to a nutritious and adequate food supply can have wide-ranging, detrimental consequences on the physical and mental health of all Americans, including pregnant women, children, senior citizens, and the poor; and

Whereas, Food insecurity is often associated with negative physical health outcomes for expectant mothers, an increased incidence of depressive disorders in women, higher levels of aggressive behavior and anxiety, and increased risks of developing a range of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension; and

Whereas, Children suffering from hunger and near hunger experience serious health problems and educational challenges, including anemia, impaired cognitive development, hyperactivity, stunted growth, an inability to learn, and poor academic performance; and

Whereas, Hunger and food insecurity place senior citizens at a greater risk for illnesses related to poor nutrition, including deficiency diseases and gastrointestinal problems; and

Whereas, Poverty is the leading cause of hunger in the United States, and, as a result, millions of poor families are forced to choose between spending their limited income on food or paying for utilities, rent, mortgage, or health care; and

Whereas, Because of low wages and the high cost of living, one in every five households in New Jersey struggles to live on an income that is inadequate to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, health care, child care, and transportation; and

Whereas, People experiencing food insecurity often rely on food assistance programs to meet their daily nutritional needs; and

Whereas, The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties serves over 260 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other feeding programs and annually distributes almost seven million pounds of food to 127,000 New Jersey residents; and

Whereas, Each year, September is designated as "National Hunger Action Month" nationwide to inspire people across the country to take action to help eradicate hunger and to raise public awareness of the 49 million people in the United States who live in food-insecure households; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. September of each year is designated as "Hunger Action Month" in New Jersey to inspire the citizens of the State to take action to help eradicate hunger in New Jersey and to raise public awareness of the 49 million people in the United States who live in food-insecure households.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing September as "Hunger Action Month" in New Jersey and calling upon public officials, the citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

3 This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution permanently designates September as "Hunger Action Month" in New Jersey to inspire the citizens of the State to take action to help eradicate hunger in New Jersey and to raise public awareness of the 49 million people in the United States who live in food-insecure households.

Designates September of each year as "Hunger Action Month" in New Jersey.