Today marks the official launch of Hunger-Free Minnesota, a statewide movement to close the gap of 100 million missing meals in our state. “There is a lot of excitement about this, not just within our own state, but nationally. Other states recognize the unique and practical approach that Hunger-Free Minnesota is taking, and see the potential to replicate success in their states,” said our executive director, Rob Zeaske.  This morning, Rob joined business leaders and many of our colleagues in hunger relief in a press conference outlining how you, your co-workers, volunteers and clients all will be positively affected by Hunger-Free Minnesota. It’s a three-year campaign with an action plan designed to focus on three areas of meal delivery:

• Increase annual meal delivery in the emergency food network by 50 million meals.
• Increase access in the SNAP/Minnesota Food Support Program by 30 million meals.
• Increase utilization of infant and child nutrition programs to yield an additional 20 million meals.

Hunger-Free Minnesota’s website contains interesting information about hunger, including original reporting from MPR reporter Julie Siple. Yet, at its heart, Hunger-Free Minnesota is an intensely local movement. Even its tagline, “Hunger Hurts Us All. Fight Hunger Where You Live.” encourages everyone who wants to donate their time, talents and money to closing the meal gap to seek out their local emergency food providers.

You may notice coverage about the Hunger-Free Minnesota launch press conference today and on an ongoing basis. You can also watch the press conference by clicking here.

For more information please read the hunger fact sheet on our website that contains statistics about hunger in Minnesota and information about Hunger-Free Minnesota.

Watch the video below to see Bernard Berrian’s personal challenge to you. Will you join him in his plight to feed hungry children and their families this holiday season? Check out the video below to learn more – and don’t forget to read his personal challenge letter.

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(You can also view pictures of Bernard handing out turkeys at NorthPoint Food Shelf this afternoon!)