88R14735 BPG-D By: Harris of Anderson H.R. No. 311 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Supermarket employees fulfill an essential role in our communities by making sure that fresh, healthy food and other necessities are available to the public, including during natural disasters and other emergencies; and WHEREAS, In Texas, more than 360,000 people are employed in the food retail sector, which generates over $70 billion in economic activity each year; due to their role in helping families put food on the table, supermarkets are cornerstones of their communities, and their workers represent a vital link in the supply chain of food and consumer goods; and WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for supermarket employees, who have struggled to keep grocery shelves stocked while facing the elevated risk of being on the front lines during this public health emergency; many of these men and women have gone above and beyond during this difficult time by not only meeting customers' needs but also by collectively contributing countless hours of volunteer service to their communities; and WHEREAS, The demand for supermarket employees is greater than ever, and those individuals on whom Texans are relying to perform this essential service are truly deserving of our praise, recognition, and support; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Supermarket Employee Day and call on all Texans to join in honoring the hardworking and dedicated supermarket employees of our state.