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“SENATE RESOLUTION 334--DESIGNATING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009, AS ``FEED AMERICA DAY''” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S11120 on Nov. 4, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SENATE RESOLUTION 334--DESIGNATING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009, AS
``FEED AMERICA DAY''
Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Reid, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Crapo, and Mr. Lugar) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 334
Whereas Thanksgiving Day celebrates the spirit of selfless giving and an appreciation for family and friends;
Whereas the spirit of Thanksgiving Day is a virtue upon which the Nation was founded;
Whereas according to the Department of Agriculture, roughly 35,000,000 people in the United States, including 12,000,000 children, continue to live in households that do not have an adequate supply of food; and
Whereas selfless sacrifice breeds a genuine spirit of thanksgiving, both affirming and restoring fundamental principles in our society: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates Thursday, November 19, 2009, as ``Feed America Day''; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to sacrifice 2 meals on Thursday, November 19, 2009, and to donate the money that they would have spent on such food to a religious or charitable organization of their choice for the purpose of feeding the hungry.
Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak regarding an effort that I have supported for a number of years and something I am very proud to have championed in the Senate for over 4 years. I speak, of Feed America Day. More than just the recognition of a single day, the Feed America campaign is a nationwide effort promoted by a number of charitable organizations and supported by numerous communities throughout the country. It is aimed at encouraging our Nation's spirit of selflessness and sacrifice in order to help those in need.
Those who participate in Feed America Day encourage all Americans to sacrifice two meals on the Thursday before Thanksgiving Day and to donate the money they would have used for food to a charity or religious organization in their community for the purpose of feeding the Hungry. In a simple and practical way, this is an effort to harness the generosity of the American people in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season.
We live in the most prosperous nation on the planet. Even in the face of our current difficulties, that remains true. Yet, according to the Department of Agriculture's most recent numbers, roughly 35 million Americans, including 12 million children, live in households that do not have an adequate supply of food. I think we can all agree that it is a good idea to encourage the American people to do more for the hungry in their communities, even if we don't always agree as to what Congress should do on such matters.
Today, I have submitted a resolution that would designate Thursday, November 19, 2009, as Feed America Day. Once passed, this will be the fifth consecutive year that this day has been recognized by the Senate. I want to personally thank Senator Tom Udall from New Mexico for all his efforts in supporting and promoting this resolution and we are joined by Senators Bennett, Crapo, Lugar, and Reed. I urge my Senate colleagues and every American to join me in helping to assist those in need and affirming the long-standing values that have made our Nation great.
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