LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 15, 2012, as Hunger Awareness Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Eliminating hunger in New York State and increasing the
public's awareness of the extent to which it exists are essential; and
WHEREAS, There are now more than 3,000 food pantries, soup kitchens
and shelters in cities, suburbs and rural areas working to alleviate
hunger in New York State and requests for assistance have increased
substantially over the last five years; and
WHEREAS, According to the Department of Health, over 120 million meals
are provided each year through food pantries, soup kitchens, and emer-
gency shelters to 3 million New Yorkers who must rely on these programs
for an adequate food supply; and
WHEREAS, Almost half of the food pantries and soup kitchens reported
that they have less resources from both the government and private
sector; and
WHEREAS, The working poor, many of whom are eligible for federal food
assistance but not receiving it, are the fastest growing segment of the
population relying on overburdened voluntary food programs to feed them-
selves and their families; and
WHEREAS, Nearly one in four children in New York go hungry; and
WHEREAS, When working families have sufficient income and receive
federal nutrition assistance they are less dependent on the volunteers
who donate and provide food at churches, synagogues, mosques, and other
community-based programs; and
WHEREAS, The extent of hunger in New York stands in stark contrast to
the wealth and resources also present in our State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call for the
designation of March 15, 2012, as Hunger Awareness Day in order to focus
needed attention on the problem of hunger in our communities; and
WHEREAS, It is the further sense of this Legislative Body to encourage
citizens across New York State to volunteer at local food pantries and
soup kitchens during the week of March 12-17, 2012, to help in the
effort to alleviate hunger among the needy of our State, and to gain for
themselves a better understanding of the problem of hunger, as well as
potential solutions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 15, 2012, as
Hunger Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.