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Federal
Dear Elected Official/Editor:
I believe we can achieve food security for all Minnesotans.
Food insecurity impacts nearly 10% of our population. Food insecurity means the inability of people to obtain sufficient food for their household. Some people may find themselves skipping meals or cutting back on the quality or quantity of food they purchase at the stores. This recurring and involuntary lack of access to food can lead to malnutrition over time.
More people are strained to the breaking point by the economic crisis. Job layoffs, home foreclosures, higher poverty rates, and medical bills are making more families food insecure. In 2008, food shelves distributed enough food for 36,719,000 meals. Shelters, community dining programs and Meals on Wheels served 7 million emergency or free meals.
The most effective response to hunger in this economic crunch is to improve low income Minnesotans’ access to and participation in all 15 federal domestic nutrition assistance programs. Comprehensive hunger relief is achievable by investing in long-term solutions and bringing forward improved nutrition policies as Congress moves to reauthorize nutrition programs that support school breakfasts and lunches as well as summer food for children.
Programs such as WIC and food support supplement income so families and seniors may buy healthy food and not be forced to skip meals. Bolstering benefits and increasing participation in school lunch, summer feeding, and food support allow struggling families to eat well and in turn, prevent many chronic illnesses. Food assistance also helps unemployed citizens make the transition back to self-sufficiency.
Hunger Solutions Minnesota is calling for Congress to pass an economic recovery package that includes bolstering Food Stamps benefits and other nutrition and low-income support programs.
Increased participation in these programs also brings millions of additional federal dollars into the state’s economy. This federal assistance generates an immediate flurry of spending at local retailers.
Thank you,
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