Hunger Statistics
The Hunger-Free Minnesota campaign relies on research and data to benchmark current situations and scenarios related to hunger. In subsequent years of the campaign, the data will be updated with new results to show progress in the fight against hunger.
Benchmark Data
Map the Minnesota Meal Gap (2011)
This map provides a county-by-county view of Minnesota’s missing meals. It is the genesis of the statewide Hunger-Free Minnesota campaign, illustrating that hunger exists in every county in the state.
The overall goal of the Hunger-Free Minnesota campaign is to shrink the number of missing meals in every county in the state. This map will be updated annually. Check back to see how the campaign is faring.
Data from Feeding America; data compiled by EnSearch, Inc.
Minnesota School Breakfast Data (2009, 2010)
The Hunger-Free Minnesota campaign released this data in September 2011. It shows that two-thirds of the breakfasts that could be served to hungry students in Minnesota are not being served. That is an annual gap of 33 million meals.
Hunger-Free Minnesota will be concentrating on increasing participation in the School Breakfast Program in 2012. Learn more about Hunger-Free Minnesota’s action plan and the School Breakfast initiative here.
Original study for Hunger-Free Minnesota by The Boston Consulting Group; verified in separate study with additional data by EnSearch, Inc.
Senior Hunger Data (Supporting Demographic Data, 2008, 2009, 2010)
The supporting senior household demographic data released by the Hunger-Free Minnesota campaign in October 2012 contained some surprises. Of the 88,000 seniors living below the poverty line, less than half accessed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those working in hunger relief programs say many seniors don’t know they qualify for the Federal dollars.
Hunger-Free Minnesota launched a SNAP Awareness Campaign in February 2012 targeted, in part, to the senior audience. You can read more about this Action Plan initiative here.
2008, 2009, 2010 Senior Households Data from D. DeMaster, Minnesota Department of Human Services; data compiled by EnSearch, Inc.
Feeding America Food Banks Total Pounds Distributed in Minnesota, 2008-2010
This data, released by the Hunger-Free Minnesota campaign in January 2012, shows the face of hunger in Minnesota from a different perspective: the increase in food distribution required by the state’s food banks in order to meet the growing needs of the state’s food shelves and meal programs.
The need for more food also means increased need for safe food storage and handling. The Hunger-Free Minnesota campaign focuses on several methods for increasing the capacity of the emergency food system in its Action Plan.
