• According to the last US Census 380,000 people in Minnesota live in poverty.
• Poverty means that a woman with two children has to earn less than $15,670. (The cost of her basic needs would be $33,480 in greater Minnesota and $40,476 in the metro region.) Earning a minimum wage of $6.15 an hour, she would actually earn $12,792 annually.
• During the period 2002-5, 124 food shelves across the state have seen an increase in food shelf visits of 30% or more. Eighty eight food shelves have seen an increase of 50% or more and the need continues to rise.

But there IS a solution.

Bread for the World Institute has published researched information that the financial costs to end hunger are relatively slight. The United Nations Development Program estimates that the basic health and nutrition needs of the world’s poorest people can be met for $13 billion a year. The means are within our grasp.

And YOU can be a part of it.

• HSM can help you learn about what it means to volunteer at a food shelf or a food bank or emergency food program.
• HSM can link you with your neighborhood food shelf where a variety of volunteer opportunities exist.
• Contact your legislator about hunger issues.
• Opportunities to be involved in advocacy are available.
• Learn about the wage gap issues that underlie the cause of much hunger.
• Donate money and HSM will responsibly allocate your donated dollars to where the need is greatest.