Funding hike sought for food shelves

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.