* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Stokes
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Funding for Eliminating Food Insecurity in Baltimore City
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Baltimore City Health Department, and the Department of Planning to brief the City Council regarding funding for the elimination of food insecurity in Baltimore City.
body
Baltimore City families are experiencing record levels of food insecurity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service reports that food prices were 8.8% higher in March 2022 than in March 2021. This trend is historic.
As reported by the United States Department of Agriculture, consumer choices about food spending and diet are likely to be influenced by the accessibility and affordability of food retailers-travel time to shopping, availability of healthy foods, and food prices. Some people and places, especially those with low income, may face greater barriers to accessing healthy and affordable food retailers, which may negatively affect diet and food security.
With the Federal Emergency Management Agency withdrawing Federal funding to dozens of food distribution programs across Baltimore, it is important that works to fill this new funding gap and increase access to healthy and affordable foods in Baltimore City.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Baltimore City Council invites representatives from the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Planning to brief the City Council regarding funding for the elimination of food insecurity in Baltimore City.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department, and the Director of the Department of Planning, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.