97-24 Food for Hope Resolution from West Orange.pdf

97-24 March 12, 2024 A Resolution Approving a Food Insecurity Program Spearheaded by Food for Hope through the CARE Center of New Jersey and Recommending Support from the New Jersey Governor's State Budget WHEREAS, the Township of West Orange recognizes the critical importance of addressing food insecurity and providing support to individuals and families in need within our community; and WHEREAS, the CARE Center of New Jersey, a reputable nonprofit organization dedicated to combating hunger, has proposed Food for Hope, a food insecurity program in collaboration with Christ Church, aimed at providing nutritious meals and essential resources to residents facing food insecurity; and WHEREAS, the proposed program aligns with the Township's commitment to promoting the health and well-being of all residents, fostering community resilience, and addressing systemic barriers to food access; and WHEREAS, the partnership between Food for Hope and the CARE Center of New Jersey demonstrates a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach to addressing food insecurity, leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations to maximize impact and effectiveness; and WHEREAS, the Township recognizes the urgent need to support initiatives that address food insecurity, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions; WHEREAS, the Township Council acknowledges the importance of state-level support in addressing food insecurity and recommends that the New Jersey Governor's State budget include funding to support the expansion and scaling of Food for Hope's initiatives; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of West Orange that: Section 1: The Township Council hereby approves the food insecurity program spearheaded by Food for Hope through the CARE Center of New Jersey. Section 2: The Township Council recommends that the New Jersey Governor's State budget include $5.3 million dollar funding to support the expansion and scaling of Food for Hope's initiatives, in recognition of the critical role played by nonprofit organizations in addressing food insecurity statewide. Section 3: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 12th day of March, 2024. Susan McCartney, Mayor ATTEST: Karen J. Carnevale, RMC, Township Clerk Bill Rutherford, Council President