MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota is a food-producing powerhouse. The state ranks seventh in the nation when it comes to agricultural production according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Minnesota farmers excel in growing corn, soybeans, wild rice, oats, and sugar beets. They are among the best at raising turkeys, pork, and dairy cattle. Minnesota has leading food production companies like General Mills, Pillsbury, Tyson Foods, Green Giant, Kraft Heinz, and Smithfield to name just a few.
So why are so many going hungry? The U.S. Department of Agriculture says nationwide 12.8% of all household are ‘food insecure’ at least some time during the year. That’s 17 million households. Of those, 5.1% are classified as ’very low food security’. That means normal eating patterns are disrupted because they don’t have access to food. According to Second Harvest Heartland, one in every 11 children is not getting the nutrition they need to thrive.
Food & Health
Being hungry on a regular basis is life-altering. A report in JAMA Pediatrics from 2010 says children who experience food insecurity are more likely to have chronic conditions and asthma when compared to children who don’t experience food access issues. They are more likely to have poorer health and face hospitalizations more often.
The National Institute of Health says hunger is inextricably linked to poverty. According to the Salvation Army Northern Division spokesperson Dan Furry, 75% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Because of inflation, families living in Minnesota are having to spend another $800 each month for essentials.
To add insult to injury, families with economic hardship issues are more likely to live in a ‘food swamp’, defined by Wikipedia as an environment that has few grocery stores but an abundance of corner stores or fast-food restaurants. The food may be less expensive, but it often lacks nutritional value. Think ultra-processed foods like chips, sodas, and high-sugar snacks. The low-quality food may end the hunger cravings, but it also contributes to obesity. And it doesn’t provide the nutrients children need to thrive.
Easing Minnesota’s Hunger pangs
The Salvation Army says a record number of people in Minnesota are turning to food shelves for their daily meals. In 2023, 7.5 million visits were made to food shelves and pantries. These organizations help put nutritious foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products on the table. The Salvation Army operates 22 food pantries and 13 hot meal programs in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services oversees The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). It distributes food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to regional food banks located in all parts of Minnesota. The regional food banks then distribute the food to more than 300 local food shelves, shelters, and on-site meal programs.
Find a Minnesota food shelf near you by clicking this link.
KARE 11 is partnering with the Salvation Army Northern Division to raise money and collect food donations to support families dealing with food insecurity. Click here to learn more about the 2024 KARE 11 Food Fight.
Know Your Numbers
The information in this article is provided by Health Fair 11 as part of its Know Your Numbers Campaign. Health Fair 11 is a not-for-profit organization that operates with financial support from sponsorships and grants. KARE 11 TV is its media partner.
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