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VEAP

Access to healthy food, social services and housing stability

Student hunger in the suburbs

Student hunger in the suburbs

Studies show—and common sense confirms—that access to healthy, nutrient rich foods has a positive impact on a child’s concentration and energy levels, school attendance, academic achievement and psychosocial well-being. Approximately 1 in 6 children in MN (which mirrors national rates) are at risk of hunger, which has a negative impact on school attendance, disciplinary events and the ability to focus in the classroom. Unfortunately, students of color are more prone to experience hunger at school.

At VEAP, we witness the lived reality of these alarming statistics. In 2020, 51% of households reporting income information to VEAP had a monthly income of less than $2,500, or just $30,000 per year. And 32% of people receiving support from VEAP’s food, housing and social service programs are children. Without sufficient income, many of these families struggle to put food on their tables—and students go to school hungry.

In this infographic, VEAP takes a deeper look into local trends around student food insecurity and what we are doing to alleviate its persistence. Download a PDF copy here.

What can you do?

  • Participate in VEAP’s March Food and Fund Drive to help provide food to thousands of children whose families depend on VEAP for assistance so every child has the opportunity to achieve success at school.
  • Volunteer at VEAP or another hunger relief organization. Volunteering at organizations like VEAP helps to disrupt the impact of food and housing insecurity. Consider looping in your family and friends into your volunteer efforts. Sign up today.
  • Champion change on a local level. Contact your local elected representatives (city council members, district council members, state representatives and state senators) about their position and proposed policies on alleviating childhood hunger.
  • Support the The Hunger-Free Schools campaign, a coalition led by Hunger Solutions and Blue Cross Blue Shield, to permanently offer free and reduced lunches to all Minnesotan students.

This post is part of a campaign series dedicated to VEAP’s efforts around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Read more here.

Caley Long