Colleagues,
 
Food insecurity is not just a statistic…it is a daily reality for families across Pennsylvania. Too many of our neighbors, despite working hard and doing everything right, are still forced to choose between paying for rent, medicine, or putting food on the table. This is not the Pennsylvania we aspire to be, and together, we have the power to change it.
 
According to Feeding Pennsylvania, more than 41% of those facing hunger in our Commonwealth do not qualify for existing programs such as SNAP and WIC. That means nearly half of the people struggling to feed their families are left to fall through the cracks. Many of these families live above the federal poverty line, yet they are no less vulnerable to the pain of hunger. This reality is felt not only in Philadelphia but in rural towns, suburban communities, and every district represented in this chamber.
 
Philadelphia took a bold step by creating the Philadelphia Task Force on Food Insecurity. Now, we must lead at the state level. That is why I am introducing a resolution to establish a bipartisan legislative task force to confront food insecurity across Pennsylvania. This body will study the issue, develop findings, and make actionable recommendations to ensure that all Pennsylvanians, no matter their zip code, can access affordable, healthy food.
 
Colleagues, food insecurity is not a partisan issue. It is a human issue. When a child goes to school hungry, when a senior goes to bed without a meal, or when a parent skips dinner so their children can eat, we are all diminished. By working together, we can create sustainable, equitable solutions that strengthen our communities, support working families, and build a healthier future for our Commonwealth.
 
I urge you to join me in this effort. Sponsorship of this resolution is not only an investment in food access; it is an investment in the well-being, dignity, and future of every Pennsylvanian we serve.