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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

On Lawmakers' Plates: Ending Hunger in Minnesota

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Wednesday, February 4, 2015   

ST. PAUL, Minn. - With one in 10 Minnesotans not sure where their next meal is coming from, state lawmakers are being urged today to make sure the fight to end hunger is on their plates for this session.

This is "Hunger Day on the Hill," as advocates, state leaders and legislators share their recipes for reducing food insecurity. Colleen Moriarty, executive director of Hunger Solutions Minnesota, said one key will be expanding universal school breakfast to cover not only kindergartners but children up to third grade.

"We know that makes a difference," she said. "We know whether you're in an urban district or you're in a rural district, your attention span is going to be improved if you have a full belly and if you are able to really focus on the challenges before you for that day."

Another legislative priority this year is a bill providing incentives for shoppers to use their SNAP dollars at farmers markets, increasing their buying power. Moriarty said that would help alleviate hunger with healthy foods and also increase business for local producers.

Lawmakers also are being asked to increase funding for food shelves, where Moriarty said there's a fresh focus on mobility.

"What we're looking at," she said, "is not increasing the 'bricks-and-mortar' of the food shelves as much as introducing and supporting mobile food shelves that can bring fresh product - produce and other kinds of goods - right to the local community, and respond immediately."

She noted that food-shelf use in Minnesota remains high despite the ongoing economic recovery, with more than 3 million visits statewide last year.

More information is online at hungersolutions.org.


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