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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of September 2023 as Hunger Action Month (Supervisor Mashburn)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Mashburn requests that the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of September 2023 as Hunger Action Month.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Here in California, hunger and poverty are issues of vital concern, whereas 20 percent of people face hunger every day. Approximately one in every four children do not know where their next meal will come from. Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive, and in every community in America people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet in 2021, 34 million people, including 9 million children, faced food insecurity in the United States.
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, a member of the Feeding America® nationwide network of food banks, is educating people about the role and importance of food banks in addressing hunger and raising awareness of the need to devote more resources and attention to hunger issues. The members of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano distribute more than 2 million pounds of food each month through its network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community organizations.
Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to bring attention to food insecurity in our communities and to enlist the public in the movement to end hunger.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the District 5 FY2023/24 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2023/24 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve this resolution, however, that is not recommended as this is an opportunity to bring attention to food insecurity in our communities, the need for programs combatting this crisis, and to recognize and honor the local community organizations who work tirelessly everyday to feed those in need.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION