Senate 60

SENATE RESOLUTION 60

(By Senators Oliverio, Phillips, Grady, Barrett, Helton, and Morris)

[Introduced March 9, 2026]

Recognizing March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, We recognize that hunger is a persistent problem in West Virginia, with one in six of our neighbors not knowing where their next meal is coming from; and

Whereas, The rise in food insecurity has shown the significant need and essential works of our state’s charitable food network; and

Whereas, More than 277,000 West Virginians struggle with food insecurity, affecting communities in every region of the state; and

Whereas, Hunger impacts all walks of life, including many working families who continue to face challenges in accessing consistent, nutritional food; and

Whereas, Food is a foundation for success, productivity, and overall wellness, enabling individuals to thrive at home, at work, and in their communities; and

Whereas, Children are at a particularly high risk of food insecurity with one in five West Virginia children not having enough food to get them through the day. A hungry child struggles to grow and learn; and

Whereas, More than 50,000 seniors experience food insecurity and are often forced to make difficult daily choices on whether they eat nutritional foods or pay bills, including medical and utilities; and

Whereas, Approximately 13,000 veterans who call West Virginia home, who bravely served our nation, fight food insecurity daily; and

Whereas, West Virginia is home to a strong and coordinated charitable food network, including two Feeding America food banks, Facing Hunger Foodbank and Mountaineer Food Bank, which work in partnership with more than 600 community organizations, and together in 2025, distributed more than 36.8 million pounds of food; and

Whereas, Together, these food banks and their partners distributed more than 36.8 million pounds of food in 2025, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to fighting hunger and supporting West Virginians in need; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the severity of hunger in West Virginia and honors the dedication, service, and impact of the state’s charitable food network in addressing food insecurity and strengthening communities across the Mountain State; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the representatives of Facing Hunger Foodbank and Mountaineer Food Bank.