According to the 2000 census, there are 20,445 people in poverty in the seven counties served by this food bank. More than half of them are children or seniors.

It is difficult to imagine that hunger exists right here in northern Minnesota. But many of our neighbors struggle to meet basic needs. Thousands of families are food insecure, meaning they don't know when or where their next meal is coming from, or hungry, meaning there is no next meal available.

Information collected here in our communities for "Hunger in America 2006" shows us that people requesting emergency food assistance in north central Minnesota are typically part of hard working low-income families that have to make choices between food and everyday necessities. The local report provides a snapshot of hunger in our community. It tells us:

    • 31% of the members of households served by Second Harvest North
      Central Food Bank are children under 18.

    • 9% of the members of households are children age 0 to 5.

    • 27% of the members of households are elderly.

    • 36% of households include at least one employed adult.

    • 56% have incomes below the official federal poverty level during
      the previous month.

    • Among households with children, 57% are food insecure and 25% are
      experiencing hunger.

    • 23% of households report at least one person in poor health.

    • 26% of client households are receiving Food Support (food stamps);
      however, it is obvious that many more are eligible.

    • Among all households served, 32% report having to choose between
      paying for food and paying for utilities or heating fuel, 21% had to
      choose between paying for food and paying their rent or mortgage,
      and 26% had to choose between paying for food and paying for
      medicine or medical care.