Record Food Shelf Visits In 2022

Minnesota food shelves served a record number of people in 2022.  Preliminary data shows there were around 5.1 million visits to food shelves, the highest in state history. Rachel Sosnowchik with Second Harvest Heartland says they are with the legislature this session to secure additional funding for the state’s emergency food system:

“There’s also some really promising legislation around Universal school meals to get free meals for all kids in Minnesota schools and so I think while the challenges are still very much there we have some really great opportunities to invest in some of the solutions to food insecurity so I’m feeling encouraged by that.”

High inflation, soaring food costs, and increased rent led to more Minnesotans visiting their local food shelves.