Congresswoman McCollum Works to Reduce Hunger for Homebound Minnesota Seniors

Press Release

Today, the offices of Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) are at Cub Foods in Bloomington, MN to highlight the work of local nonprofit Store-to-Door and the problem of hunger among Minnesota seniors.

Hunger-Free Minnesota released a report last fall showing a rising need for senior food support. According to the new data, 88,000 seniors in Minnesota live below the poverty line but less than half are accessing the food support system. Data shows that 90 percent of seniors who do receive food support live alone, many with a disability. The Roseville-based nonprofit Store to Door is working to address this problem by purchasing and delivering groceries and medication to homebound seniors across the Twin Cities.

McCollum and Paulsen introduced the Enhancing Nutrition Services to the Elderly and Disabled Act (H.R. 4333) to make it easier for Minnesota seniors receiving federal assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to use their benefits to purchase groceries directly from Store to Door.

"Hunger among Minnesota seniors is a quiet crisis that needs more attention. Our bipartisan legislation will make it easier for Minnesota seniors to get the food they need to continue living healthy, independent lives," said Congresswoman McCollum. "This bill also helps Store to Door fulfill its mission to serve the seniors in our state who are most vulnerable to hunger."

Store to Door is the only Minnesota non-profit to focus entirely on grocery delivery.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

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