On Thursday, Feeding America released their study, “Map the Meal Gap,” detailing the number of meals that families miss each year across America—an estimated 8.4 billion nationwide and nearly 100 million in Minnesota alone. This study is complementary to the “Missing Meals” report that was released by Second Harvest Heartland in March of 2009.

“I would say it’s a tool for how people can really understand what are the needs in every community, and how do you actually identify closing the gap around the need,” said Vicki Escarra, the CEO of Feeding America about the “Map the Meal Gap” study.

Check out the article released today by MPR, which features Second Harvest Heartland Executive Director, Rob Zeaske and others from Minnesota.

It’s hard to believe it’s already the middle of March, and that Minnesota FoodShare’s March Campaign is already half over!  For those unfamiliar, the March Campaign helps provide food for 300 Minnesota food shelves after a long winter of helping the hungry. Now in its tenth year, Minnesota FoodShare has challenged its partners, made up of congregations, companies, civic groups and schools, to provide 12 million dollars and pounds of food to Minnesota food shelves this March.

This number is daunting and ambitious, but with roughly 10% of people in our region at risk of hunger, it is a challenge that we must meet.

Some who used to donate to food shelves are now depending on them—but thanks to the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, we can help ensure that no one has to go without food.

Get more information on the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign here.

Check out the latest edition of Stories of Hope, the quarterly newsletter from Second Harvest Heartland, featuring:

• Kick Hunger Day results
• The Heart of the Heartland – a photo essay from a great volunteer, and
• An inside look at the Community Organizing project with Diana Madsen

Join us for Dish: Cuisine for Change! The annual gala benefiting Second Harvest Heartland is an elegant opportunity to recognize the growing need in our community, reflect on stories of hope and help enact true change for our hungry neighbors.

This year’s event will take place on Thursday, April 21 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The evening will offer a touch of glamour with gourmet samplings by local restaurants, wine tasting, live and silent auctions, and will culminate with a live performance by nationally acclaimed comedian, Tom Papa—best known as the host of The Marriage Ref on NBC.

Check out photos from last year’s event here, or head over to dishcuisineforchange.org to purchase your tickets or table!