Proclaiming September 2008 as "Hunger Action Month".

The City Council of Philadelphia designates the Month of September 2008, as “Hunger Action Month” in Philadelphia and encourages the support of building the awareness and applauds those who are struggling with this critical issue.

WHEREAS

, September 2008 has been designated as “Hunger Action Month” to provide an opportunity for communities in the United States to unite to focus attention on the persistent problem of domestic hunger; and

WHEREAS

, In the United States, 35.5 million people, including 12.6 million children live in households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger; and

WHEREAS

, As the costs of other essentials continue to increase, many individuals resort to emergency food banks, because they simply cannot afford the food they need; and

WHEREAS

, This figure represents more than one in ten households in the United States; and

WHEREAS

, Four percent of United States households experience hunger, and some people in these households frequently skip meals or eat too little, sometimes going without food for a whole day, that represents more than 11 million people including 430,000 children; and

WHEREAS

, Food banks, food rescue organizations, soup kitchens, food pantries, faith-based organizations, businesses and individuals are donating time, raising funds and giving food to help their neighbors; and

WHEREAS

, Individuals benefiting from the availability of donated food range from infants and toddlers, school-age children and adolescents to single mothers, single fathers, two-parent families, veterans and their families and seniors; and

WHEREAS

, Research shows that preschool and school-age children who experience severe hunger have higher levels of chronic illness, anxiety and depression and behavior problems than children receiving a well balance diet.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA,

That the Month of September 2008 be declared “Hunger Action Month” in Philadelphia and encourages the support of building the awareness and applauds those who are struggling with this critical issue.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philabundance as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

End