Nonprofits, Corporations Launch Hunger Initiative

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A group of nonprofit organizations and some corporations have come up with a plan to fight hunger in Minnesota.

They've launched an initiative called Hunger-Free Minnesota, which has a goal of making sure everyone has enough to eat by 2014.

The coalition has $3 million to start and hopes to raise $20 million in the first phase of its effort. General Mills and Cargill have kicked in $1 million each.

The plan involves finding new sources of food, such as grocery stores that otherwise would throw food away. Minnesota Public Radio News says the coalition aims to stock more food at food banks and sign up more people for food stamps. About 25 percent of eligible seniors are currently enrolled in Food Support.

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