Community Issues

• Nearly 300,000 people in the nine-county region live in households struggling to put food on the table; 26 million pounds of food were distributed to them in 2007.
• In 2006, over 4,000 individuals in Minnesota were considered long-term homeless; of the adults, 28 percent reported being employed.
• In 2006, over half a million people in the seven-county metro area were living below 200 percent of poverty--an annual income of $40,000 for a family of four.

Agenda for Lasting Change Goals

• Reduce hunger in our area 20 percent by 2009.
• In partnership with the Governor's initiative, end long-term homelessness in the Twin Cities by 2010.
• Improve the financial stability of 40,000 individuals by 2009.

Learn More

• Read the United Way Overview (PDF)
• Learn about United Way Basic Needs partnerships: Start Saving, Claim It!
• Last year, 4.8 million additional pounds of food were collected for local food shelves. More results
• View Basic Needs Success Stories.
• Read our Basic Needs Impact Plan Executive Summary (PDF)
• Read the full Twin Cities Hunger Initiative Plan (PDF) or Executive Summary (PDF)

Get Involved

• United Way has collaborated with Financially Fit Minnesota, an initiative designed to strengthen the financial health and fitness of employees through tools offered by employers: www.financiallyfitmn.org.
• You can make a difference. Read our hunger brochure (PDF).
• Want to run a food drive in your company or organization? Read our tips on food drives (PDF) and food shelf needs (PDF).