Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HR461 Latest Draft

Bill / Introduced Version Filed 02/28/2025

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House Resolution 461
By: Representatives Gaines of the 120
th
, Wiedower of the 121
st
, Rhodes of the 124
th
, Frye of
the 122
nd
, and Persinger of the 119
th
 
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia for its mission of connecting neighbors with
1
nourishing food, its expansion to better serve communities across Northeast Georgia, and its2
ongoing contributions to economic stability, workforce development, and community3
well-being; and for other purposes.4
WHEREAS, a thriving workforce, strong families, and a resilient economy all rely on access5
to nutritious food, ensuring that Georgians can learn, work, and contribute to their6
communities without the burden of food insecurity; and7
WHEREAS, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia has been a beacon of hope and provision8
for families across the region, distributing over 15.5 million pounds in 2024 across its9
15-county service area, reinforcing the importance of community-based solutions to food10
insecurity; and11
WHEREAS, through deep-rooted partnerships with Georgia's farmers, businesses,12
faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and local leaders, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia13
transforms every dollar into real impact, leveraging resources to serve those in need with14
compassion, dignity, and efficacy; and15
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WHEREAS, the recent expansion of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, including the
16
construction of a state-of-the-art 65,000-square-foot facility in Athens, marks a significant17
step toward ensuring greater food distribution capacity, reduction of food waste, and the18
enhancement of services to families across Northeast Georgia; and19
WHEREAS, food insecurity impacts working families, seniors on fixed incomes, children20
who rely on school meal programs, and veterans who have bravely served our nation,21
underscoring the essential nature of food and the role it plays in both our humanity and22
ability to reach our individual and collective potential; and23
WHEREAS, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia's commitment to strengthening local food24
systems also benefits Georgia's agricultural sector by sourcing fresh, locally grown produce25
and building farm-to-table initiatives that keep food local, sustainable, and accessible; and26
WHEREAS, ensuring Northeast Georgia families have access to a variety of food not only27
improves educational outcomes for children but also strengthens the workforce and increases28
economic independence, reinforcing the vital role of food security in our communities and29
the immeasurable impact of the family table; and30
WHEREAS, public-private investments in food security reflect Georgia's values of31
responsible government, strong families, and economic prosperity, as every dollar invested32
in hunger relief leverages taxpayer dollars into the Georgia economy while expanding33
grocery budgets when necessary.34
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35
the members of this body commend the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia for its mission of36
connecting neighbors with nourishing food, its expansion to better serve families, and its37
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continued commitment to fighting food insecurity through innovative, community-driven
38
solutions.39
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize the vital role food40
security plays in ensuring Georgia remains a place where every family has the opportunity41
to thrive and express their support for efforts that uphold the well-being of Georgia's42
families, veterans, seniors, and children.43
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized44
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the45
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.46
H. R. 461
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