The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) is encouraging consumers statewide to help fight hunger 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 more than 240 retail participants and 14 vendor partners. Last year, the campaign was a success and its goal is to reach 7.5 million meals this year.
“Our grocers and vendor partners share consumers’ concerns for providing food and necessities to local families in need,” said Jamie Pfuhl, MGA president. “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:
• Food drive: Buy items in the store and donate them to local food shelves;
• In-store promotions: Purchase specially marked items and vendor partners will donate an additional monetary amount to local food shelves; and
• “Check Off Hunger” icons: For $1, $3 or $5 customers can contribute to food shelves at the register and sign a grocery list icon that will be displayed prominently in the store.
Now in its ninth year, the “Minnesota’s Own” program continues to increase its online and social media presence. The public website at minnesotasown.com has live links to participating vendor and retail websites; in addition, some 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 also will be a link to allow the public to donate to their community food support agency. The campaign will be on Twitter, using the name @MGA_MNOwn, and will track the program’s progress of reaching 7.5 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,” said 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.”
