Hunger is often an invisible issue—it’s easy to ignore unless it hits close to home. Recently, with $200 billion in SNAP cuts, this problem is becoming harder to overlook. Last week, Minnesota state senators from both parties visited Channel One Regional Food Bank. They wanted to understand the effects of these cuts on families.
Channel One is a lifeline for over 100 food shelves across 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. However, its effort is small compared to the need. Last year, one in five families in Minnesota struggled to put enough food on the table—many of them had jobs.
During the senators’ visit, they witnessed the real challenges food banks face. Channel One is the largest food shelf outside of the Twin Cities and is now dealing with unprecedented demand due to rising costs. The recent “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has made things tougher; cuts will hit seniors, parents, veterans, and disabled individuals hard, affecting over 450,000 SNAP participants statewide.
Food banks are not just places to get food; they are community hubs. They connect volunteers, farmers, grocers, and local governments to help ensure no one goes hungry. Although opinions may vary on the causes of hunger and how to address it, the need for action is clear.
According to a recent survey by Feeding America, food insecurity in Minnesota has risen by 40% since the pandemic began. This highlights the urgency of the situation. Solutions require cooperation among all stakeholders. The senators’ visit was a significant step toward recognizing the impact of SNAP cuts.
In summary, the challenge of hunger in Minnesota is growing, and addressing it will take a collective effort from everyone involved.
Virginia Witherspoon
Executive Director, Channel One Regional Food Bank
Feeding America
