Going Hungry in Cook County, Minnesota

Pat Campanaro, Lutsen

​1 in 5 families here in Cook County struggle to feed their families TODAY; I shudder to think how these numbers will jump as the Trump administration, with Congressperson Pete Stauber's support, continues to dismantle the critical support the federal government provides Minnesota EVERY month! USDA is cutting millions of dollars that Minnesota schools, childcare centers, and food banks use to buy local food. The state will lose about $18 million in federal funding as the Trump administration terminates two pandemic-era programs.

For fiscal year 2025, Minnesota was awarded approximately $13.3 million to purchase food for schools and an additional $4.7 million to cover products for food banks. Those funds will no longer be distributed. The Farm to School program has helped our students receive fresh and nutritious locally sourced food while providing additional revenue streams for our farmers, which is a win-win for Minnesota. Cutting this funding does not eliminate waste; it only harms our food supply.

We are working diligently here to support this program; however support from the Federal government is crucial.