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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

"Superheroes" Raise Millions for MN Food Shelves

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Friday, April 30, 2010   

MINNEAPOLIS - Holy mountain of food, Batman! Minnesotans collected 4.6 million pounds of food and about $7.4 million dollars for the March Campaign, the state's largest annual food drive.

This year's theme was "Be a Superhero in the Fight Against Minnesota Hunger." Sue Kainz of Minnesota FoodShare says ministers, school officials and some other, rather unlikely characters even traded in their suits and ties for capes and tights.

"We had department managers at some of the big corporations here in the Twin Cities who were dressing up like superheroes. It brought out the best in people, and I think that's one of the reasons that we were so successful this year – because, despite the economy, we did raise our goal."

The March Campaign benefits about 300 food shelves across Minnesota, many of which have seen dramatic increases in demand. In 2009, there were about 3 million food shelf visits statewide, and more than half were from families with children.

The organization Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) operates the state's largest food shelf, with over 6,500 visitors a month. The March Campaign is critical for restocking its shelves, according to VEAP Development Director Karin Meier. She says no matter the size, every donation matters.

"I think to the general public, donating a bag of groceries or getting involved in the campaign seems so small. For us, that small commitment, pooled together with all the other people in the community, really does makes a significant difference for those people that are facing need."

Meier notes that donations are needed year-round and, if people missed out on the campaign, most local food shelves accept direct donations.



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