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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE INCLUSION OF THE PUERTO RICO FOOD SOVEREIGNTY IN THE CONGRESSIONAL FARM BILL AND THE INCLUSION OF PUERTO RICO IN THE TRANSITION TO SNAP
WHEREAS, The United States of America, as a nation, should be committed to the welfare, prosperity, and resilience of all its territories, including Puerto Rico; and
WHEREAS, Puerto Rico currently imports approximately 85% of its food, leaving it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and potential supply chain disruptions; and
WHEREAS, Strengthening Puerto Rico's local agricultural sector by reprogramming United States Department of Agriculture funds toward purchasing locally grown items will significantly enhance food sovereignty and resilience on the island; and
WHEREAS, Supporting local agriculture in Puerto Rico has the potential to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and encourage entrepreneurship within the agricultural sector. It could also increase commerce between the island and the more than 200,000-strong Illinois Puerto Rican Diaspora; and
WHEREAS, The initiative will promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation, thereby contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts; and
WHEREAS, Food sovereignty can bolster Puerto Rico's ability to recover from natural disasters, reducing the reliance on federal aid and demonstrating a model for resilience that could be replicated across the country; and
WHEREAS, Encouraging the production and consumption of locally grown produce can foster the preservation of Puerto Rico's rich culinary traditions, promote healthier eating habits, and enrich our national cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Puerto Rico does not participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and is provided a limited block grant called Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP, or PAN in Spanish).
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, That the Cook County Board President and the Board of Commissioners expresses strong support for the initiative to reprogram non-food stamp USDA funds allocated to Puerto Rico toward purchasing locally grown items in Puerto Rico and do so in a language and culturally competent fashion; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Honorable Body urges the United States Congress to include the Puerto Rico Food Sovereignty Program in its five-year farm bill, as well as the transition of the island from NAP to SNAP; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Honorable Body urges Congress to endorse and implement this initiative in recognition of its potential to foster economic growth, promote sustainability, enhance resilience, and enrich cultural heritage; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be sent to the Cook County congressional delegation, the President of the United States, and the Governor of Puerto Rico.
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