Minnesota Grocery Stores are Helping End Hunger

The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) is encouraging consumers statewide to check hunger off their lists by shopping at participating retailers during the October “Minnesota’s Own” campaign. All food and monetary contributions collected in-store will go to local food banks and shelves to benefit hungry Minnesota families. “Minnesota’s Own” is a three-way partnership of grocers, vendors and consumers aimed at increasing donations to Minnesota food shelves. The MGA coordinates the program across the state and has over 230 retail participants and 14 vendor partners. Last year, the “Minnesota’s Own” campaign provided 6.2 million meals to hungry families in Minnesota and has set a goal to reach 6.5 million meals this year. “Our grocers and vendor partners share consumers’ concerns for providing food and necessities to local families in need,” says Jamie Pfuhl, President of the Minnesota Grocers Association. “The participating retailers and vendors are proud to bring “Minnesota’s Own” to our communities, to help increase donations to their local food shelves, and to benefit area families during difficult economic times.” Grocers and vendor partners will offer many ways for consumers to participate in “Minnesota’s Own”, including some of the following options:

Now in its eighth year, the “Minnesota’s Own” program continues to increase its online and social media presence. The public website www.minnesotasown.com will have live links to participating vendor and retail websites; in addition, many vendors are offering exclusive downloadable coupons. This encourages consumers to support sponsoring companies and assist in a statewide fight to end hunger by shopping for products identified by the “Minnesota’s Own” logo at their local grocers. There will also be a link to allow the public to donate to their community food support agency. The campaign will be on Twitter, using the name @2013MNOwn and a Facebook page has been created to track the program’s progress of reaching 6.5 million meals. “During this time of economic challenge, “Minnesota’s Own” provides an excellent opportunity to increase awareness of a social issue that affects all of our communities,” says Pfuhl. “By raising funds, increasing public support, and promoting local food shelf donations, the Minnesota food industry and consumers truly can make a difference in the fight to end hunger.”