Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S128

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Resolve establishing a commission to study childhood hunger in Norfolk County as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Impact

The commission will be comprised of several key stakeholders, including representatives from public health, education, and local food organizations, which underscores the collaborative effort needed to tackle childhood hunger. The bill mandates that the commission collects and evaluates data regarding the prevalence of childhood hunger pre-and post-pandemic, examines food accessibility, and explores the nutritional quality of food distributed through various programs in the county. Recommendations derived from this study are expected to inform future legislation aimed at alleviating hunger through enhanced access to food resources.

Summary

Senate Bill S128 seeks to establish a commission tasked with studying the escalation of childhood hunger in Norfolk County, particularly as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduced by Senators Walter F. Timilty and Michael O. Moore, the bill recognizes a growing concern regarding food insecurity among children, fueled significantly by the recent health crisis. The focus of the commission will be on uncovering the causes of increased hunger and identifying actionable solutions to address this pressing issue in the community.

Contention

While the bill itself has not been met with significant opposition in the available discussions, the topic of childhood hunger often stirs varying opinions on how to address food insecurity. Some advocates may argue for focusing on systemic solutions that encompass wider socio-economic factors contributing to hunger, while others might prioritize immediate food distribution measures. The outcome of the commission's findings may prompt broader debates around resource allocation and the effectiveness of existing food assistance programs in Massachusetts.

Companion Bills

MA H2051

Similar To Requiring automatic external defibrillators in Norfolk County public buildings

MA H1652

Similar To Resolutions requesting the Governor to remove First Justice Patricia A. Gorman from the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court

MA H3651

Similar To Authorizing Cynthia Falzone to purchase creditable service from the Norfolk county retirement board

MA H3979

Similar To Authorizing Cynthia Falzone to purchase creditable service from the Norfolk county retirement board

MA S2645

Replaced by Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to children, families and persons with disabilities.

Previously Filed As

MA S127

Relative to establishing an emergency food assistance committee

MA A4587

Establishes commission to study mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students.

MA A1555

Establishes commission to study mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students.

MA H1987

Establishing a special commission on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, including but not limited to investigation of PTSD caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic

MA H2209

Establishing a special commission on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, including but not limited to investigation of PTSD caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic

MA S1245

Studying the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline, direct care nurses

MA S1229

Resolve establishing a special commission to study the impact of telecommuting on employees of the Commonwealth

MA S1396

Studying the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline, direct care nurses

MA SR163

Recognizing El Pasoans Fighting Hunger for its service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MA HR480

Commending El Pasoans Fighting Hunger for its continuing service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.