FOX 21 News

More Minnesotans are having trouble feeding their families – food shelves across the state are serving record numbers of people.

Hunger Solutions Minnesota reports more people visited food shelves in 2008 than ever before.

That number continues to rise, with a 28 percent increase in the first three months of this year.

The CHUM Food Shelf in Duluth reports a 15 percent increase in visitors for the first three months this year.

Along with that increase in people seeking services, there has been a decrease in food donations from last year.

CHUM Food Shelf coordinator Meg Kearns is seeing more middle income people losing their jobs.

“I think people are doing the best they can to meet their families’ needs and the generosity of the community is really reassuring,” Kearns said.

Kearns says despite the tough times, CHUM has never turned anyone away.

To donate food, contact the CHUM Food Shelf at 218-727-2391.