Advocates for a Hunger Free Freeborn County are working with a statewide campaign to address the problem of hunger in Minnesota. We want to raise awareness of the situation.

In Minnesota:

• Hunger costs $1.6 billion a year. Poor health resulting from hunger costs $1.26 billion, education costs $238 million and other costs for children total $121 million. (Cost/benefit study, University of MN Food Industry Center)

• 12 percent of the population can’t afford to eat balanced meals and will instead purchase cheaper (less nutritious) options. They are 2 1/2 times more likely to be obese, twice as likely to be diabetic, and three times more likely to be hospitalized. (Missing Meals Study, www.hungerfreemn.org.)

In Freeborn County:

• 17 percent of Freeborn County residents often miss meals due to financial constraints. Many are children.

• Families relying on free and reduced-price noon lunches for their children during the school year struggle more during summer months.

• There are only three full-service grocery stores in the county, all in Albert Lea. Some cities do not even have a convenience store.

• Citizens who lack transportation don’t have a way to take advantage of grocery specials, community meal programs, food pantries and the farmers market.

• In Albert Lea, public transportation ends about 4 p.m., making an evening trip to a store difficult for anyone working during the day. Taxi cabs are available, but require cash payments or vouchers that can only be obtained in advance.

• Families with language barriers and literacy problems may not be able to access services.

You can help!

• Spread the word to your church, the organizations you belong to and to your neighborhood and family. Tell everyone that help is needed!

• Donate often to area food shelves. Consider giving seasonal garden produce, paper products and personal care items.

• Volunteer at Salvation Army, packing food boxes, preparing and serving a daily noon meal and working in their garden. The Ecumenical and Alden Food Pantries also rely on volunteer help.

• Identify families and seniors in your neighborhood who may not be able to get to a store. Offer to shop for them or provide transportation. These would be great projects for local adult and youth organizations.

• Pass the word that the farmers market now takes credit and debit cards, EBT and SNAP cards. The market is open Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon and Wednesday afternoons 4 to 6 p.m. at the corner of North Broadway and Fountain Street in Albert Lea.

We can end hunger in Freeborn County if everyone helps! Watch for more information and check out www.hungerfreemn.org or “friend” the Albert Lea Farmers Market and United Way of Freeborn County on Facebook for updates on local efforts.

Thank you.

Peg Shelton

on behalf of Advocates for a Hunger Free Freeborn County

Albert Lea