SENATE RESOLUTION 41
(By Senators Thorne and Hamilton)
[Introduced March 26, 2025]
Designating March 27, 2025, as Local Food and Farm Day at the Legislature.
Whereas, The State of West Virginia recognizes the vital role of agriculture in sustaining the health and prosperity of its citizens and communities; and
Whereas, West Virginia boasts a higher number of small farms per capita than any other state, showcasing the deep-rooted desire to feed our communities; and
Whereas, These West Virginia farmers contribute significantly to the state's economy and the well-being of its residents through the production of diverse crops, including beef, pork, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables; and
Whereas, West Virginia farmers have extended their agricultural endeavors beyond traditional farming to become and support value-added food entrepreneurs, thereby creating and marketing a wide array of products such as jams, jellies, maple syrup, sauces, wine, beer, cider, and others, narrating West Virginia's rich story through innovative marketing, packaging, and storytelling; and
Whereas, These dedicated farmers play a crucial role in stocking the shelves of rural grocery stores across the state, thereby ensuring the availability of fresh and nutritious food in numerous communities; and
Whereas, West Virginia farmers actively participate in and support various programs aimed at bringing nutrition and food education to students, including farm-to-school programs, Kids Market @ the Store, pop up farmers markets, produce prescription programs, and SNAP Stretch; and
Whereas, SNAP Stretch, a commendable program initiated in late 2018, has been instrumental in providing a dollar-for-dollar match for the purchase of fruits and vegetables from West Virginia farmers to SNAP/EBT recipients, resulting in a remarkable return of $3.3 million to West Virginia farmers and rural grocers and creating an overall economic impact of $5 million; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby designates March 27, 2025, as Local Food and Farm Day at the Legislature; and, be it
Further Resolved, That this day be observed in honor of the hardworking farmers and food entrepreneurs of West Virginia and their significant contributions to the state’s agricultural sector, economy, community well-being, and the overall health of its residents; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition.