WHEREAS
, The Mission of Philabundance is to work to end hunger and malnutrition in the Delaware Valley by acquiring food and distributing it through organizations serving people in need; and
WHEREAS
, Philabundance was founded as a nonprofit food distribution system in 1984, to reduce food waste and fight hunger in the Delaware Valley; and
WHEREAS
, In 2005, Philabundance integrated with the Philadelphia Food Bank to become the region's largest nonprofit hunger relief organization; and
WHEREAS
, Approximately 27% of the food produced in the U.S. goes to waste each year while millions of people go hungry; and
WHEREAS
, Philabundance serves low income residents at risk of hunger and malnutrition, of which 23% are children and 16% are senior citizens; and
WHEREAS
, Philabundance provides food through a network of agencies in the Delaware Valley; such as food cupboards, shelters and residential programs, social service agencies, emergency kitchens, and neighborhood distribution programs who reach people in need; and
WHEREAS
, Philabundance emphasizes quality foods that promote good health in all populations that they serve; and
WHEREAS
, The Food Acquisition department solicits wholesalers, retailers, food brokers, food distributors and the food industry for needed donated product; and
WHEREAS
, Philabundance secures food through food drives and donations, but the quantity and variety of donated food will never adequately meet the needs of the community, so they have to call upon others to help; and
WHEREAS
, Philabundance is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, businesses, foundations, and religious and civic groups; and
WHEREAS
, In 2007, Philabundance acquired 23 million pounds of food and distributed 17 million pounds of food in our service area, and exported 6 million pounds of surplus food to assist other area food banks.
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, By The City Council Of Philadelphia,
That September 25, 2008 and forevermore be declared “Philabundance Day” and that we honor Philabundance for their efforts to ensure that hunger and malnutrition is ended by acquiring and distributing food.
FURTHER RESOLVED,
That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to William J. Clark, the Executive Director of Philabundance, as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
End