A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE THE SOUTHERN AREA OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED WHICH STANDS READY TO PARTNER WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OTHER POLICYMAKERS, AGENCIES, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO ADVANCE A VISION OF FOOD EQUITY, HEALTH, AND JUSTICE FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, The Links, Incorporated has a rich and documented legacy of promoting and engaging in educational, civic, and intercultural activities that enrich the lives of members of the Black community at large; and

 

Whereas, The Links, Incorporated has 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 their community service; and

 

Whereas, The Links, Incorporated implements programs and initiatives that address the most critical needs of underserved communities; and

 

Whereas, the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated is comprised of eighty-three chapters across seven states and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas; and

 

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

 

Whereas, the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated is committed to strengthening families and communities through intentional civic engagement and impactful service, and the southern area faces persistent food insecurity that disproportionately affects Black, rural, and low-income households located in our communities throughout the great State of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, 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, reliable, nutritious food access is foundational to good health, educational attainment, and economic stability; and

 

Whereas, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation's most effective antihunger program, supports local economies, and can be strengthened by state action on eligibility, access, and outreach; and

 

Whereas, all farmers are central to the south's agricultural heritage, but Black farmers remain underrepresented and face systemic barriers in land retention, market access, and capital; and

 

Whereas, in South Carolina, SNAP supports thousands of households statewide. South Carolina's Healthy Bucks program adds produce dollars for SNAP shoppers at participating markets; and

 

Whereas, the General Assembly can take actions to address food insecurity, access, and equity, including among children, by expanding access to the SNAP program with broad-based eligibility requirements, raising income thresholds, and reducing administrative barriers; by enacting and funding 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; by accepting Summer EBT funds as a means to reduce childhood hunger, boost the local economy, and improve health and academic outcomes; and by establishing a Food Security and Equity Task Force to monitor progress and ensure accountability; and

 

Whereas, the General Assembly also can enact policies and programs that will benefit communities disproportionately affected by food insecurity by investing in nutrition incentive programs such as Double Bucks, Fresh Access Bucks, or Healthy Bucks that boost fresh produce access and support local farms; by supporting Black farmers by expanding equitable access to land, credit, procurement opportunities, and heirs' property resolution support; by building sustainable food networks, improving infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, and coordinating disaster nutrition programs; and by incentivizing community and school-based gardens to enhance public health and wellness, benefit the local economy, and provide community and educational opportunities. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize the Southern Area of the Links, Incorporated which stands ready to partner with the South Carolina General Assembly and other policymakers, agencies, and community organizations to advance a vision of food equity, health, and justice for all residents of South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Vanessa Falls, Southern Area Director of The Links, Incorporated.

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