2012 -- H 8092

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LC02469

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING JAMES ARENA-DEROSA, NORTHEAST REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR OF

THE USDA FOOD NUTRITION SERVICE, ON HIS VISIT TO RHODE ISLAND AND IN

RECOGNITION OF THE VALUE AND IMMENSE BENEFITS OF GOVERNMENT

NUTRITION PROGRAMS

     Introduced By: Representatives Cimini, Valencia, Ajello, E Coderre, and Naughton

     Date Introduced: April 25, 2012

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, The growing hunger problem in America confronts and challenges all states,

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and governmental nutrition programs play a crucial role in fulfilling the basic nutritional needs of

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many citizens; and

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     WHEREAS, Currently one in four Americans is now served by one of 15 food and

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nutrition programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and

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Nutrition Service. Today, more Americans are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

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Program (SNAP) benefits than at any time in the program’s history; and

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     WHEREAS, About ninety percent of the individuals receiving SNAP benefits are

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working poor, elderly, or children, and almost fifty percent of all new mothers in America receive

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Women Infants and Children (WIC) benefits and nutrition education support; and

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     WHEREAS, Numerous medical studies have shown that good nutrition is vital to the

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development of an unborn life and to the development of a young child. Breakfast, in particular,

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is a very important meal for children, and studies have shown that children who eat a nutritious

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breakfast each morning do better in school and are more likely to be healthy and active; and

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     WHEREAS, Now, more than ever, our country needs inspired leaders who can marshal

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public support to combat food insecurity and provoke a national dialogue on the importance of a

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balanced lifestyle; and

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     WHEREAS, James Arena DeRosa, Northeast Regional Administrator of the USDA Food

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Nutrition Service, is visiting Rhode Island to ensure that the needs of the Ocean State are

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reflected in the Food and Nutrition Services’ efforts; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

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Providence Plantations hereby thanks and honors Mr. James Arena DeRosa for his visit to Rhode

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Island and for his leadership in drawing attention to hunger and wellness in America. We

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recognize the tremendous benefits government nutrition programs offer to our citizens, including

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the young, the elderly, the sick, and pregnant women. We also affirm the need to support healthy

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lifestyles for all our citizens; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. James Arena DeRosa.

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LC02469

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