HR 493 — A Resolution recognizing May 28, 2026, as "World Hunger Day" in Pennsylvania and raising awareness of food insecurity across this Commonwealth.

PRINTER'S NO.    3265

                  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 493
                                              Session of
                                                2026

     INTRODUCED BY KHAN, KINKEAD, MERSKI, VENKAT, HILL-EVANS, GUZMAN,
        MAYES, WAXMAN, NEILSON, PASHINSKI, SANCHEZ, FLEMING, BELLMON,
        McNEILL, RIVERA AND CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, APRIL 24, 2026

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS,
        APRIL 27, 2026


                               A RESOLUTION
 1   Recognizing May 28, 2026, as "World Hunger Day" in Pennsylvania
 2      and raising awareness of food insecurity across this
 3      Commonwealth.
 4      WHEREAS, Food insecurity is defined as the lack of reliable
 5   access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food necessary
 6   to live a healthy life; and
 7      WHEREAS, Food insecurity affects individuals across their
 8   lifespan, impacting physical health, cognitive development,
 9   mental health and long-term economic stability; and
10      WHEREAS, Across Pennsylvania, the United States and around
11   the world, millions of people are facing hunger and food
12   insecurity; and
13      WHEREAS, More than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians are facing
14   hunger, including over 475,000 children; and
15      WHEREAS, 1 in 6 children in Pennsylvania experiences food
16   insecurity; and
17      WHEREAS, Nationally, nearly 48 million people live in food
 1   insecure households; and
 2      WHEREAS, Globally, 2.3 billion people experience food
 3   insecurity, reflecting a widespread and urgent challenge to
 4   human health and dignity; and
 5      WHEREAS, Food insecurity is not only about access to food,
 6   but access to nutritious food, as many families must choose
 7   lower-cost processed options over healthier alternatives due to
 8   affordability and availability; and
 9      WHEREAS, Many communities in Pennsylvania lack access to
10   full-service grocery stores, often referred to as food deserts,
11   limiting access to fresh and nutritious foods; and
12      WHEREAS, Hunger is linked to lower academic performance, poor
13   attendance and behavioral challenges in children, and can
14   negatively impact educational attainment and future economic
15   opportunity; and
16      WHEREAS, Food insecurity contributes to long-term health
17   conditions, including diabetes and other chronic diseases, and
18   can lead to mental health challenges and unhealthy relationships
19   with food; and
20      WHEREAS, Recent changes to Federal nutrition programs,
21   including SNAP, have increased strain on families and food
22   assistance networks across Pennsylvania; and
23      WHEREAS, Students, nonprofits and community organizations
24   across Pennsylvania are actively working to combat hunger and
25   support those in need; therefore be it
26      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize May 28,
27   2026, as "World Hunger Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
28      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all
29   people to raise awareness of food insecurity, support efforts to
30   expand access to nutritious food and promote empathy and

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1   understanding for individuals and families experiencing hunger.




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