Learning about hunger is the first step to solving the problem.

One in seventeen Minnesotans rely upon local food shelves to help feed their families. Last year, there were 2 million visits and 47 million pounds of food distributed at Minnesota’s 300 food shelves. There has been a 62 percent increase in food shelf visits since 2000. This year, many food shelves are seeing double and triple digit increases.

HSM Fact Sheets

HSM 101

Welfare and Low Income Issues

MN Legislature

Hunger Fundamentals

The basics about hunger: who it affects, and what to do about it.

Do I qualify for Food Stamps or other benefits? Find out here.

Lots of programs exist to help families. Many times people do not know they qualify for these programs, or do not know how to apply. This website can help.

Apply for Assistance
Minnesota Food Support, Cash Assistance and Health Care Application

Who Uses Food Shelves?

Families, children, elders and the working poor. Find out more.

Hunger: The larger picture

Worldwide, nationally and in Minnesota. Find out about hunger on a larger scale.

Glossary of hunger related terms

Want to know what the difference is between a food shelf and food bank, or what the federal poverty guidelines are? Check out our glossary.