Bill > SJR168

This joint resolution recognizes the fundamental right to adequate food in New Jersey, establishing a comprehensive framework for ensuring food security and access for all residents. The resolution defines key terms like "food sovereignty" and "nutritional needs" and outlines principles for promoting food availability, accessibility, and sustainability. It encourages all state, county, and municipal entities to take proactive steps to protect this right, including coordinating efforts to support local farmers, prioritize food purchases from New Jersey farms, and help small and medium-scale food producers access commercial markets. The resolution also empowers the Department of Health to promote food banks and soup kitchens and the Department of Agriculture to advance sustainable food production practices. Importantly, the resolution emphasizes principles such as cultural appropriateness, environmental sustainability, and social participation, while explicitly stating that it does not create a basis for private legal action. The underlying goal is to ensure that every individual in New Jersey has physical and economic access to nutritious, sufficient, and culturally appropriate food that supports their well-being and allows them to live with dignity.

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https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SJR168