Mission Statement
Hunger Solutions Minnesota works to end hunger in our state. We take action to assure food security for all Minnesotans by supporting programs and agencies that provide food to those in need, advancing sound public policy, and guiding grassroots advocacy.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2020, Minnesota adults, children, and seniors made 3.8 million visits to food shelves–a new record high— marking the 10th consecutive year food shelf visits exceeded 3 million. The number of food shelf visits roughly reflects each region’s percentage of the state’s overall population. So, it doesn’t matter if you live in a rural area, a suburb, or an urban area – hunger is a serious issue throughout the state. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 9 Minnesotans don't know where their next meal is coming from, and rates of food insecurity are nearly doubled for communities of color.
This is where we come in. Our work is to end hunger in Minnesota by addressing food insecurity on all fronts. We provide resources to put food directly on the table through the Minnesota Food HelpLine, Market Bucks, and SNAP Rx programs. Our food shelf capacity initiatives assist our nearly 350 food shelf members in their work to distribute food to 3.8 million visitors annually. We work with federal and state government to coordinate the acquisition and distribution of commodity food to Minnesota food banks and food shelves through TEFAP, In addition, we distributed $23 million in both federal and state COVID-19 relief funds to food programs and organizations throughout the state in 2020. Serving as the anti-hunger community’s leading voice at the Minnesota legislature, we remain steadfast in defending Minnesota’s food safety net and addressing systemic issues of poverty in order to end hunger long-term. And through collaborative action, we engage in initiatives that support the strength of the community-wide alliances needed to eliminate barriers to food access to assure food security for all Minnesotans.
Current Goals
Program metrics and evaluation. Hunger Solutions Minnesota will aim to improve use of data to make better decisions about existing and new programs. All HSM programs have clear program metrics. We also hope to undergo an equity audit of our programming to ensure all programs of HSM are run with a strong equity lens and focus.
Community or Constituency Served
Minnesota Statewide
Geographic Area Served
Minnesota Statewide