Food Shelf Data 2014
Who is hungry in Minnesota?
In 2014, there were 3.34 million visits to food shelves across the state. That is 9,000 people a day seeking food assistance. This represents a 4% increase over 2013. “Hunger impacts a large number of children, seniors and working parents in every corner of our state,” said Colleen Moriarty, Hunger Solutions Minnesota executive director. “I am alarmed that the rate of hunger is still elevated. Clearly, thousands of low-income Minnesotans have not enjoyed the benefits of the economic improvements.”
Who visits food shelves?
- 38% – Children
- 54% – Adults
- 6% – Seniors
Senior hunger
In 2014, there were 263,386 food shelf visits by seniors. While senior visits are the lowest percentage of food shelf service, senior’s needs for food assistance have greatly increased. The 2014 number is a 13% increase from 2013 levels. This indicates more seniors are hungry and seeking out help as well as evidence that concerted outreach efforts have been effective. Hunger Solutions Minnesota and our network of food shelves have been focusing on reaching this population for the last several years.