The number of people relying on food shelves for daily meals is on the rise. Hunger Solutions, a Minnesota hunger relief organization, reports one in ten Minnesotans relied on food shelves in 2009, and numbers show the number of child visits are already up 10 percent in 2010.

Food shelves are now bracing for fewer donations and greater need for children during the summer months.

The U.S.

Emergency funds to create more robust child feeding programs

Hunger Solutions Minnesota and Senator Franken today announced a new $1 million grant opportunity for Minnesota food shelves to create new nutrition programs that focus on children living at or below 200% of poverty. The program will reach an estimated 400,000 children.

For a family of three, that means eligibility is now cut off at $30,000 a year instead of $24,000, said Moriarty. Applicants no longer are bound by a $7,000 “asset limit,” which required them to spend most of their savings in order to qualify.

Last year, advocates won state funding for a Minnesota Food Helpline that directs callers to programs such as food stamps.

ST. PAUL, MN—(May 18, 2010)— Hunger Solutions Minnesota (HSM) is proud to announce two key wins yesterday at the State Capitol. Governor Pawlenty approved two pieces of legislation that will go a long way to assist struggling Minnesotans access more food.

Beginning November 1, Minnesota will extend Food Support to approximately 70,000 more Minnesotans.

After nearly 30 years as a photofinisher, Viola Rheinhardt never expected to need food stamps. Rheinhardt, who is making mortgage payments on a town home in Rosemount, saw her career come to a full stop in 2007 when her employer shut down its Edina plant.

The number of impoverished and hungry residents in Dakota County has grown, and now community groups are joining forces to make sure everyone gets fed.

STRIB

Local schools look toward free lunch for all students
With large percentages of their students coming from lower-income families, some schools in Duluth and Superior might be able to offer free lunch to all their students.

Millions of low-income Americans live in “food deserts,” neighborhoods that lack convenient access to affordable and healthy food. Instead of supermarkets or grocery stores, these communities often have an abundance of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores. In addition, stores in low-income communities may stock fewer and lower quality healthy foods.

Rising poverty rates, job loss and foreclosures have all been indicators of a struggling economy.

But now more Dakota County residents are finding themselves in desperation at Dakota County food shelves.

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