Please support SF2223/HF2546, a bill that will provide a nation-leading investment in filling the weekend food gap for Minnesota students
LETTER OF SUPPORT
Minnesota State Legislators,
As leaders dedicated to the betterment of children in Minnesota, we ask for your support for SF2223/HF2546 which would provide Every Meal with a modest investment to build a facility to expand needed weekend food distribution to students statewide.
Every Meal has been filling the weekend food gap for school-age children since 2010 and has become a leader with its successful Weekend Meal Program – a food program that provides students with weekend food bags directly in their backpacks while they’re in school. We know that the most efficient and effective way to provide food to children experiencing hunger on weekends is through backpack food programs.
The need for Every Meal’s services has only increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 48 percent more children served now compared to 2020. Although we continue to see generosity in our community and we strive to serve every child in need, Every Meal is literally bursting at the seams – limiting our ability to serve hungry children.
By supporting this bill, you will help ensure that more children have access to good food for every meal, not just when they’re in school. It would allow a one-time, $4 million cash investment toward an $8 million food distribution hub that will greatly expand capacity to reach more children. It’s a nation-leading investment in our school-age children.
Please consider the positive impacts this would have on our shared responsibility to serve kids across Minnesota. Every Meal is ready to address this tremendous need and I urge you to take action in supporting SF2223/HF2546.
Thank you for your leadership on this issue and your work to help make Minnesota a better place for our children.
Sincerely,