The number of hungry Minnesotans is increasing. Since 2000, individual visits to Minnesota food shelves increased 60% to nearly 2 million visits in 2007. Children account for 50% of all food shelf clients. Seniors are 20% of food shelf clients. The emergency food system, historically used to help people through troubled times, has become a monthly supplement for many families who cannot make ends meet.

For too many Minnesotans, skipping meals due to lack of enough food has become the norm. One out of every eight children on food assistance programs skips meals due to lack of funding for food. Hunger causes inattentiveness, poor concentration, and learning and behavioral problems throughout the school day. For far too many Minnesotans, the decision to pay for electricity, heat, medicine, or food has become an unpleasant and ongoing choice.