House Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI CHAPTERS OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED, ON THEIR PASSIONATE COMMITMENT TO END HUNGER, IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH AND END FOOD INSECURITY BY SUPPORTING ACCESS AND EQUITY FOR ALL MISSISSIPPIANS.

WHEREAS, The Links, Incorporated, has a prestigious and historic legacy of implementing programs and initiatives that address the most critical needs of underserved communities utilizing the organization's five programming facets – Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services - as the cornerstone of its' community service; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated, is comprised of 83 chapters across seven states and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas; and

WHEREAS, more than 5,000 members of the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated, hail from the deep south states of Mississippi and Alabama; the French tradition and creole culture of Louisiana; the coastal wonders of North and South Carolina; the southern charm of Georgia; the emerald coasts and sugar beaches of sunny Florida; and the sun-drenched tropical beauty of the Bahamas; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi chapters of The Links, Incorporated, are dedicated advocates for strengthening families and communities through intentional civic engagement and impactful service, especially given the fact that the Southern Area faces high rates of food insecurity and maternal deaths that disproportionately affect Black, rural, and low-income households throughout the great State of Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, as evidence of its commitment to improve the quality and longevity of its communities, including Mississippi, the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated, has implemented the Emerald Plate Initiative to enhance food access, justice, and sovereignty throughout the southeastern United States; and
     WHEREAS, because this astute group of women understand that reliable, nutritious food access creates a strong foundation for good health, educational attainment, economic stability and health outcomes for pregnant mothers and their children; and
     WHEREAS, The Links, Incorporated, especially the Mississippi chapters, support the continuation and strengthening of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation's most effective anti-hunger program that supports local economies and substantially improves access to healthier lifestyles for mothers and their children; and
     WHEREAS, The Links, Incorporated, appreciate the key contributions that all farmers make to the South's agricultural heritage, but acknowledge that Black farmers remain underrepresented and face systemic barriers in land retention, market access, and capital; and
     WHEREAS, in 2023, Mississippi faced one of the highest food insecurity rates in the nation at 19.4%, SNAP redeemed $1.01 Billion in 2023, across 3,233 retailers, and in 2024, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) estimated SNAP brought $842 Million; and

     WHEREAS, due to the rising number of United States citizens and Mississippians facing food insecurity, hunger and maternal deaths, the Mississippi chapter of The Links, Incorporated, urges the Legislature of Mississippi to:
     (1) Strengthen SNAP access and eligibility by maintaining broad-based eligibility, raising income thresholds, and reducing administrative barriers;
     (2) Invest in expanding nutrition incentive programs such as Double Bucks, Fresh Access Bucks, or Healthy Bucks that boost fresh produce access and support local farms;

(3) Accept Summer EBT funds as a means to reduce childhood hunger, boost the local economy, and improve health and academic outcomes;
(4) Support Black farmers by expanding equitable access to land, credit, procurement opportunities, and heirs' property resolution support;

(5) Build sustainable food networks, improve infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, and coordinate disaster nutrition programs;

     (6) Incentivize community and school-based gardens to enhance public health and wellness, benefit the local economy, and provide community and educational opportunities;
     (7) Pass and fund Healthy School Meals for All legislation to reduce childhood hunger by providing breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost, regardless of the student's household income; and
     (8) Establish a Food Security & Equity Task Force to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate to recognize the passions of organizations, such as The Links, Incorporated, who seek to improve the quality of life for Mississippi families:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Mississippi Chapters of The Links, Incorporated, on their passionate commitment to end hunger, improve maternal health and end food insecurity by supporting access and equity for all Mississippians.