Twin Cities Hunger Forum Motivates and Inspires Local Anti-Hunger Leaders
June 29, 2011Written byAmy Maheswaran Lopez
On June 7, 2011, the Twin Cities Hunger Forum convened at General Mills headquarters just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hosted by Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Twin Cities Hunger Initiative, more than 170 guests from a variety of industries and organizations attended the Hunger Forum together with one thing in common: they all want to find ways to help solve the growing hunger problem in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. From superintendents to food shelf managers, great minds came together to learn about Minnesota’s current hunger situation and commit to ways to help end hunger in the Twin Cities.
The Twin Cities Hunger Initiative started in 2006, convened by Greater Twin Cities United Way. The intent of the initiative was to convene a broad group of hunger leaders to create a plan for ending hunger in the nine-county region.
Forum keynote speaker Tim Marx, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, gave an inspiring presentation about solving hunger through innovation and collective action. “Poverty is expensive,” said Marx. “If we want to cut expenses, solving poverty is a top priority.”
The forum continued with breakout sessions focusing on three topics: increasing the amount of food in the system, maximizing federal food support programs and increasing access to meals for children. Groups brainstormed and collected their best ideas for solving hunger in our community, and each participant made a personal commitment to help end hunger.
As the forum wrapped up, guests watched a message from Senator Amy Klobuchar, who praised the work of the Twin Cities Hunger Initiative and motivated participants to stay involved. “Not all angels have wings,” she told participants. “You are angels to the thousands of Minnesotans affected by hunger-relief efforts. Thank you!”
Thank you to everyone who attended,participated and volunteered. Solving hunger in Minnesota is possible when we all work together toward achieving our goal.
For post-forum materials, visit http://www.unitedfrontmn.org/hunger