Resolution 260933

Title Honoring Share Food Program on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary and recognizing four decades of extraordinary service addressing hunger, advancing food security and food justice, and ensuring access to nutritious food for individuals and families throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region. Body WHEREAS, Share Food Program was founded in 1986 as a food cooperative dedicated to expanding access to affordable, nutritious food for communities facing economic hardship in Philadelphia and has since grown into the leading hunger-relief organization in the Greater Philadelphia region; and WHEREAS, For forty years, Share Food Program has remained steadfast in its mission to alleviate hunger, strengthen communities, and ensure that our most vulnerable have access to the nutritious food necessary for health, dignity, opportunity, and well-being; and WHEREAS, Share Food Program believes that food is a human right and that all people deserve reliable access to nutritious food, and has dedicated its work to advancing a future in which every individual and family has the resources needed to thrive; and WHEREAS, Through a robust network of food pantries, schools, community organizations, volunteers, donors, and public partners, Share Food Program distributes food to thousands of neighbors each month and serves as a vital resource for children, seniors, families, and individuals experiencing food insecurity; and WHEREAS, Recognizing that hunger and poverty are deeply interconnected, Share Food Program works not only to provide immediate food assistance, but also to address the underlying economic and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region; and WHEREAS, Share Food Program administers and supports a broad range of initiatives, including school nutrition programs, senior food assistance, pantry support services, home delivery programs, and community food distribution efforts that help ensure equitable access to food for all; and WHEREAS, Share Food Program understands that hunger is a solvable challenge and that meaningful progress requires strong partnerships, effective public programs, sound public policy, sustained investment at many levels, and collaboration among community organizations, businesses, government agencies, healthcare providers, advocates, and residents; and WHEREAS, In addition to meeting immediate needs, Share Food Program advocates for policies that strengthen food security, reduce poverty, and expand opportunity, recognizing that charitable food assistance is most effective when paired with a strong public safety net and effective nutrition programs; and WHEREAS, During times of economic hardship, public health emergencies, and increased community need, Share Food Program has consistently demonstrated leadership, compassion, and innovation, serving as a lifeline for countless Philadelphia residents while adapting to meet evolving challenges; and WHEREAS, The legacy of Share Food Program was profoundly shaped by former Executive Director Steveanna Wynn, whose leadership from 1989 to 2018 transformed the organization into what it is today and whose enduring commitment to food justice, dignity, and community partnership continues to inspire its mission today; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of George Matysik since 2019, and with the dedication of its hardworking staff, volunteers, board members, community partners, and supporters, Share Food Program continues to strengthen communities by providing immediate relief while advancing long-term solutions that promote food security and reduce hunger; and WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia proudly recognizes the forty-year legacy of Share Food Program, whose commitment to compassion, service, collaboration, and food justice has improved the lives of countless residents and helped create healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors Share Food Program on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary and recognizes its outstanding contributions to fighting hunger, advancing food security and food justice, and improving the health and well-being of individuals and families throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region. FUTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Share Food Program as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. End