87R30191 TBO-D     By: Dutton H.R. No. 1968       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, School meals contribute to the health and academic   success of students by providing essential nutrients, and during   the COVID-19 pandemic, school nutrition programs have played a   critical role in addressing food insecurity; and          WHEREAS, Prior to the pandemic, millions of young Texans   qualified for free or reduced-price school meals, and the economic   hardship caused by the health crisis has increased the number of   families that lack access to food, especially within communities of   color; this year, as many as one in three children are at risk of   hunger; and          WHEREAS, Although the threat posed by the virus led to the   sudden closure of schools throughout Texas, nutrition staff have   ably responded to evolving safety recommendations and continued to   provide meals to students through innovative models, such as   drive-through operations and delivery services; and          WHEREAS, School nutrition programs have served as a critical   lifeline to countless children and families, and with food   insecurity rates on the rise, school meals are sure to remain a   vital resource for nourishment; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize the importance of school nutrition   programs in providing food to children and families facing hunger,   especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and extend to all school   nutrition staff members sincere appreciation for their service to   their communities.