Pennsylvania HR 493: A Resolution recognizing May 28, 2026, as "World Hunger Day" in Pennsylvania and raising awareness of food insecurity across this Commonwealth.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3265
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 493
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY KHAN, KINKEAD, MERSKI, VENKAT, HILL-EVANS, GUZMAN,
MAYES, WAXMAN, NEILSON, PASHINSKI, SANCHEZ, FLEMING, BELLMON,
McNEILL, RIVERA AND CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, APRIL 24, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS,
APRIL 27, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing May 28, 2026, as "World Hunger Day" in Pennsylvania
and raising awareness of food insecurity across this
Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, Food insecurity is defined as the lack of reliable
access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food necessary
to live a healthy life; and
WHEREAS, Food insecurity affects individuals across their
lifespan, impacting physical health, cognitive development,
mental health and long-term economic stability; and
WHEREAS, Across Pennsylvania, the United States and around
the world, millions of people are facing hunger and food
insecurity; and
WHEREAS, More than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians are facing
hunger, including over 475,000 children; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 6 children in Pennsylvania experiences food
insecurity; and
WHEREAS, Nationally, nearly 48 million people live in food
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insecure households; and
WHEREAS, Globally, 2.3 billion people experience food
insecurity, reflecting a widespread and urgent challenge to
human health and dignity; and
WHEREAS, Food insecurity is not only about access to food,
but access to nutritious food, as many families must choose
lower-cost processed options over healthier alternatives due to
affordability and availability; and
WHEREAS, Many communities in Pennsylvania lack access to
full-service grocery stores, often referred to as food deserts,
limiting access to fresh and nutritious foods; and
WHEREAS, Hunger is linked to lower academic performance, poor
attendance and behavioral challenges in children, and can
negatively impact educational attainment and future economic
opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Food insecurity contributes to long-term health
conditions, including diabetes and other chronic diseases, and
can lead to mental health challenges and unhealthy relationships
with food; and
WHEREAS, Recent changes to Federal nutrition programs,
including SNAP, have increased strain on families and food
assistance networks across Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Students, nonprofits and community organizations
across Pennsylvania are actively working to combat hunger and
support those in need; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize May 28,
2026, as "World Hunger Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all
people to raise awareness of food insecurity, support efforts to
expand access to nutritious food and promote empathy and
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understanding for individuals and families experiencing hunger.
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