Minnesota lawmakers will be asked to increase funding to food shelves by 40 percent, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

Minnesota's 300 food shelves currently get about $2.5 million from the state each biennium. A bill introduced in both the House and the Senate would increase that by $1 million.

DFL Rep. John Benson of Minnetonka, chief author of the House bill, said the fight against hunger should not be left to charitable organizations. He said the state has a moral responsibility to fight hunger, which is a problem even in his suburban district.

Minnesota food shelves continue to serve a record number of people, with more than 3 million visits last year.