Title
To Honor and Recognize September As Hunger Action Month
Body
WHEREAS, each year, millions of people in America face hunger, and the coronavirus pandemic has caused even more families to struggle.
WHEREAS, there are an estimated 54 million people who may be food insecure in 2020, including 18 million children.
WHEREAS, the pandemic has caused more families to seek help from food banks in the Feeding America network. Food banks estimate that 4 in 10 people visiting a food bank now need assistance as a result of COVID-19.
WHEREAS, experiencing hunger during childhood can have a life-long impact on your mental and physical health and educational achievement.
WHEREAS, more than 510,000 children across Ohio live in food-insecure households. That means 1 in 5 kids are unsure of where their next meal is coming from.
WHEREAS, Children’s Hunger Alliance partners with family child care providers, daycare centers, school districts and afterschool and summer nutrition programs to help provide healthy meals and snacks for children in their care, as well as nutrition and physical education to children and their families.
WHEREAS, many of the families served by food banks and food access organizations have part-time or full-time jobs. However, low wages, underemployment, and necessary expenses like rent prevent families from meeting their basic needs.
WHEREAS, federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC, feed millions every year. Yet, many who struggle with hunger are unlikely to qualify for these programs because they are employed or have incomes slightly above the poverty-line.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor and recognize September as Hunger Action Month.