The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association’s (MTGA) restaurant, Turkey to Go, celebrated its 50th year at the Minnesota State Fair by donating a portion of every sale to Hunger Solutions Minnesota (HSM).

A check for $2,000 was given to HSM this week.

“Minnesota’s turkey industry is pleased to be able to give back to those who may be struggling to make ends meet this year,” said MTGA Executive Director Steve Olson of Buffalo, MN. “We hope this money will help put more turkey on dinner tables this fall.”

According to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, more people have been strained to the breaking point by the economic crisis. So far in 2008, a record number of families are visiting Minnesota food shelves. In the first six months, we have seen an 11% statewide increase in visits. Growing numbers of families are experiencing hunger because of job layoffs, home foreclosures and medical bills.

Our increasing poverty rate and weak economy puts pressure on programs that assist the poor daily. Colleen Moriarty, Executive Director of Hunger Solutions Minnesota, thanks the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, “Because without strong community minded businesses like you, we would be unable to reach out to the thousands of Minnesota families and seniors who depend on food shelves and other programs to make it through the month.

MTGA’s restaurant at the State Fair began in 1958, known as “Turkeyteria”, and has culminated into what is now Turkey to Go Restaurant, home of the “Great Big Turkey Sandwich.” And while the restaurant has had different names and menus over the past 50 years, the message to consumers has remained consistent: turkey makes a delicious, nutritious meal any time of the year.

This year, Turkey to Go deep fried approximately 3,300 turkeys for its sandwiches. That equates to over 44,500 sandwiches sold through the run of the State Fair. All told, Turkey to Go has served up well over a quarter of a million Great Big Turkey Sandwiches since this menu item debuted in 1999.

About MTGA
The MTGA, founded in 1939 and currently headquartered in Buffalo, MN, is a nonprofit association dedicated to fostering a successful Minnesota turkey industry and its ability to make positive contributions to consumers, the economy, the environment and its members. Minnesota is currently ranked #1 for turkey production in the U.S. with its 250 turkey farmers raising approximately 48 million turkeys in 2007. Minnesota has the most independent turkey farmers of any state in the U.S. For further details, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com.

About Hunger Solutions Minnesota
Hunger Solutions Minnesota (HSM) is dedicated to ending hunger. Through advocacy, supporting sound public policy and strategic communications, HSM takes action to end hunger and assure food security for all Minnesotans. For further details, visit www.hungersolutions.org