HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09222009 - C.21RECOMMENDATION(S):
ADOPT the Resolution to Proclaim October as FAITH FEEDING FAMILIES MONTH in
Contra Costa County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
The faith community is traditionally the first stop for families seeking assistance, but as the
economic downturn continues the houses of worship in eastern Contra Costa County are
seeing their cupboards become bare.
The churches of East County have always been a place to find assistance but they rarely get
the publicity and donations from the local community. Because of the longevity and depth
of this recession, they are asking that the larger community help support this first line of
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 09/22/2009 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I
Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Ed Diokno,
925-427-8138
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: September 22, 2009
David J. Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Katherine Sinclair, Deputy
cc:
C.21
To:Board of Supervisors
From:Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor
Date:September 22, 2009
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:PROCLAIM OCTOBER AS "FAITH FEEDING FAMILIES MONTH"
food assistance.
Even the Contra Costa-Solano Food Bank, a well-known food assistance agency for
organizations,
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
notes that more people are getting in line, to supplement their food, at numerous sites
throughout Contra Costa County. Participation in the food assistance program increased
54% in the first half of this year according to Food Bank records. East County usage of
this Food Bank jumped 80% during this same time frame.
The same corresponding demand is being made of the faith-based food assistance
programs run by a variety of churches, temples and synagogues. Several organizations,
including some involved with the Child Welfare Redesign Group, are sponsoring events
to bring attention this need. Churches, temple and synagogues need to restock their
shelves so they can continue to offer food assistance to the hungry that knock on their
doors.
Some of the events being planned in October include:
1. Delta 2000 at the Rivertown Resource Center is sponsoring the 22nd Annual East
County Hunger Walk. This event will be held on October 3rd in downtown Antioch
starting at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Antioch Historical
Society. 100% of all pledges go directly to East County food programs. For information
regarding informational booth opportunities or to request pledge forms call 925-779-1404.
2. East County Pastors are invited to attend the Pastors’ Luncheon on Oct. 22nd at
Antioch’s Prewett Family Water Park’s Community Center for the purpose of raising
awareness, in their places of worship and among their congregations, about the food
needs in East County. If interested, call 925-778-0303.
3. A Food Resource Guide compiled by the Health Disparities Committee of the Child
Welfare Redesign Committee in collaboration with the Contra Costa County Food Bank
will be released in October. The list of food pantries, soup kitchens and food sources has
been broken down for each community in East County making it easier to locate the
nearest food pantry. To request a copy of this guide please call 925-957-5421.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without the support of the Board of Supervisors, it will be very difficult to garner the
publicity needed by the food drive to assist the faith-based food assistance programs and
the drive won't have the legitimacy and credibility that comes with the Supervisors'
approval. Many of the newly poor, the silent victims of the recession, who have never
asked for assistance before, will not be able to receive help or informed of the resources
available to them. The timing is crucial because it allows the food assistance programs to
restock their shelves prior to the holiday season (November, December & January) when
demand for such assistance is at its greatest.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Most of those people asking for assistance are families with children. Children's poor
nutrition is a major reason for their poor eating habits which affects the overall health of
many of today's children. Those problems that start as children often continue when they
become adults. It is well documented that the growing obesity problems facing today's
generation of children leads to diabetes and heart problems in their adult lives, even
young adults. Undernourished children find it difficult to concentrate and study in school
leading to poor grades and poor educational performance thus affecting their ability to
attain educational and employment goals. In both instances, overweight or
undernourished children develop negative self images which translates to difficulty in
socialization and integration into society.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 2009/457