Hunger Action Month

WHEREAS, hunger and poverty are issues of grave concern in the United States and Alabama; and

WHEREAS,  Alabama is committed to taking steps toward raising awareness of the need to combat hunger in every part of our state and to provide resources that citizens of Alabama need; and

WHEREAS, Feeding America Food Banks is dedicated to educating people about the role and importance of food banks in addressing hunger and raising awareness of the need to devote more resources and attention to hunger issues; and

WHEREAS, more than 936,400 individuals in Alabama rely on food provided through members of the Feeding America network annually; and

WHEREAS, 19.5 percent of our population and 26.3 percent of our children are considered food insecure; and

WHEREAS, Bay Area Food Bank distributed more than 16 million pounds of food in 2012 through a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community organizations; and

WHEREAS; food banks across the country will host numerous events throughout the month of September to bring awareness and attention encouraging involvement in efforts to end hunger in their local community:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 2013 as

Hunger Action Month

in the state of the Alabama.