SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 65

Senator Anthony offered the following resolution:

A resolution to recognize September 2025 as Hunger Action Month.

Whereas, Each September, Hunger Action Month unites millions of people across the country to raise awareness, take action, and provide food to neighbors facing hunger; and

Whereas, Led by Feeding America and its network of local food banks and volunteers, this nationwide movement works to build a future where everyone has access to the food and support they need; and

Whereas, The Feeding America network of food banks launched Hunger Action Month in 2007, marking its 18th year in 2025; and

Whereas, In 2024, more than 50 million people across the United States relied on food banks, underscoring the widespread and urgent need for food assistance nationwide; and

Whereas, Michigan is home to over 150 food banks and pantries, which collectively serve thousands of residents across the state through innovative programs, partnerships, and community outreach; and

Whereas, Hunger continues to impact communities across Michigan, with approximately 1.5 million residents facing food insecurity, including more than 402,000 children; and

Whereas, The overall food insecurity rate in Michigan stands at 14.2 percent with childhood food insecurity exceeding 19 percent statewide and reaching nearly 20 percent in the Upper Peninsula; and

Whereas, To address these widespread levels of food insecurity, Michigan relies on a variety of resources including emergency food assistance, community-based initiatives, and federally funded programs that work together to help residents access the nutritious food they need; and

Whereas, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital federal resource for more than 1.4 million low-income individuals across every region, helping families not only afford food but also access nutritious options essential for health and well-being; and

Whereas, Among SNAP recipients, more than 59 percent are families with children, 39 percent include older adults or individuals with disabilities, and 41,000 are veterans, representing a significant portion of Michigan?s most vulnerable populations; and

Whereas, Michigan residents benefit from additional food assistance programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides nutritious foods each month to more than 200,000 moms, babies, and children under the age of five; and

Whereas, In addition to these federal supports, Michigan has further demonstrated its commitment to addressing food insecurity by including funding for free school meals for all students, an investment that helps reduce household food hardship and alleviates pressure on emergency food systems across the state; and

Whereas, Despite these critical supports, food banks across Michigan have reported an 18 percent increase in demand over the past year, reflecting the persistent challenges families face in accessing enough nutritious food; and

Whereas, Hunger Action Month is a time to raise awareness, inspire action, and recognize the tireless efforts of food banks, volunteers, programs, and advocates working to end hunger in Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize September 2025 as Hunger Action Month.