Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan Kick Off Thanksgiving by Highlighting Minnesota Turkey Growers

Statement

Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan kicked off the Thanksgiving holiday alongside a Minnesota-grown turkey. They were joined by Minnesota turkey grower and President of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Paul Kvistad, and Executive Director of Hunger Solutions Minnesota, Colleen Moriarty in presenting Minnesota's Thanksgiving turkey.

"I wish all Minnesotans a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, filled with family, food, and football," said Governor Walz. "As Governor of the top turkey producing state in the nation, I encourage all Minnesotans to serve Minnesota-grown turkeys at Thanksgiving this year."

Minnesota's turkey farmers raise an estimated 42 million birds each year. This production generates $807 million in economic activity every year and supports 26,000 Minnesota jobs. Turkeys grown in Minnesota also consume $163 million of corn and $169 million of soybean meal, adding approximately $251 million to the value of corn and soybeans in Minnesota.

"As we give thanks this week, I encourage Minnesotans to volunteer or make a donation to their local food shelf so more Minnesota families can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving dinner," said Lt. Governor Flanagan. "There are more than 3 million visits to food shelters across the state every year, and many of the visits are children. I'm grateful to Hunger Solutions for their work to end hunger in Minnesota, and to the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association for their generosity this holiday season."

Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, and Hunger Solutions Minnesota addressed the critical need to end hunger across the state by encouraging Minnesotans to donate to their local food shelves. The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association is donating $11,000 to Hunger Solutions Minnesota this year, to help more Minnesota families enjoy a warm meal this holiday season.

"Thanksgiving has always been a special holiday for Minnesota's turkey farmers -- all about tradition," said Paul Kvistad, President of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. "Today, I am grateful to be able to announce that the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association is continuing our tradition of donating turkey to Hunger Solutions Minnesota."

Hunger Solutions Minnesota is the only statewide anti-hunger organization whose services reach every county of Minnesota. There are than 3 million visits to food shelters in Minnesota every year, with one in three food shelf visits being children. Governor Walz will donate a turkey to a local food shelf, and encourages folks to join him so all Minnesota families can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving dinner.

"As we prepare for Thanksgiving, it's important to keep in mind our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity throughout the year," said Colleen Moriarty, Executive Director of Hunger Solutions Minnesota. "Hunger Solutions Minnesota connects people in need with resources through the Minnesota Food HelpLine and supports local food shelves throughout the state. The generosity of groups like the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association has an impact on the families we serve throughout the year."

How Minnesotans Can Get Involved

-Hunger Solutions Minnesota is the only statewide anti-hunger organization whose services reach every county of Minnesota. Minnesotans can get involved with the organization's charitable work and find a food shelf in their community

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