Resolution 170735
Calling on the United States Congress to fight hunger in Philadelphia by opposing any efforts to block grants, reduce funding, or structurally change the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and oppose efforts to cut other federally funded nutrition programs.
Introduced by
From the floor
Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.
“Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilwoman Blackwell, I move that Resolution No. 170735 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)”
Councilman Greenlee · Stated Meeting, September 28, 2017 · Sep 28, 2017 · official transcript, this passage
“Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 170735 be withdrawn. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)”
Council President Clarke · Stated Meeting, September 28, 2017 · Sep 28, 2017 · official transcript, this passage
“Good morning. My name is Emma Kornetsky and I'm the Manager of Government Affairs for Philabundance. We're the largest regional anti-hunger organization. I'm here today, I want to thank Councilwoman Blackwell for introducing Resolution 170735. It's really important that I think Philadelphia speaks up about the importance of SNAP and the federal nutrition programs. In Philadelphia, almost one in three residents receiv…”
Ms. Kornetsky · Stated Meeting, September 21, 2017 · Sep 21, 2017 · official transcript, this passage
“Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today in support of Resolution 170735. My name is Deb Bentzel and I'm the Associate Director of Community Food Systems at The Food Trust, a Philadelphia based non-profit organization working around the country to ensure everyone has access to nutritious, affordable food and information to make healthy decisions. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, plays a critic…”
Ms. Bentzel · Stated Meeting, September 21, 2017 · Sep 21, 2017 · official transcript, this passage
Status timeline
- Sep 14, 2017Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar · CITY COUNCIL
- Sep 28, 2017READ · CITY COUNCIL
- Sep 28, 2017WITHDRAWN · CITY COUNCIL
Official documents
Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.
Full text
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..Title Calling on the United States Congress to fight hunger in Philadelphia by opposing any efforts to block grants, reduce funding, or structurally change the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and oppose efforts to cut other federally funded nutrition programs. ..Body WHEREAS, September is Hunger Action Month; and WHEREAS, More than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians struggle with hunger and food insecurity, 325,940 Philadelphians; and WHEREAS Philadelphia is the 10th hungriest city in America, with a poverty rate of 25.8% and a child poverty rate of 38%; and WHEREAS, More than half of American children experience food insecurity and receive help from SNAP before age 18, often due to unforeseen family circumstances, such as a parent or guardian's job loss, inadequate employment hours, divorce or family health issues; and WHEREAS, SNAP serves as a foundation to the first line of defense against hunger, helping more than 14% of Pennsylvanians buy groceries every month and lifting more than 13% of households out of poverty; and WHEREAS, 485,241 Philadelphia residents participate in SNAP, including 182,009 children, 69,144 seniors, and 72,821 persons with disabilities; and WHEREAS, SNAP brings an average of nearly $65 million per month in purchasing power to local residents, allowing them to supplement low-wages and fixed incomes and direct their limited income to other necessities; and WHEREAS, Philadelphians additionally rely on the Federal Food and Nutrition Programs beyond SNAP for Pennsylvania's state and local governments' anti-hunger efforts; and WHEREAS, The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides vital support to food banks and other charities in their efforts to help feed the most vulnerable Philadelphians; and WHEREAS, The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides boxes of specified foods to thousands of low-income Philadelphia senior citizens; and WHEREAS, Residents of Philadelphia care deeply about the problem of hunger, supporting the charitable food pantries and cupboards; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL, Calls on the United States Congress to fight hunger in Philadelphia by opposing any efforts to block grants, reduce funding, or structurally change the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and oppose efforts to cut other federally funded nutrition programs. ..End