In Minnesota, the statistics on food insecurity are grim. Feeding America reports that 1 in 11 children face hunger, and the Minnesota Department of Health ranks Minnesota as the 7th worst state in the nation for its residents' access to healthy food. These numbers underscore the critical importance of efforts to address food insecurity and ensure individuals and families have access to nutritious meals.
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) recognizes the important role food plays in overall health and well-being. CRMC has been proactively seeking partnerships with various agencies to improve food access in the communities it serves. These collaborations are not reactive, but proactive, with the goal of addressing the root causes of hunger and promoting healthy nutrition.
One of CRMC's initiatives is partnering with the Crosby-Ironton High School National Honor Society to set up mini food pantries. These mini pantries are like little free libraries, providing food to those in need, 24 hours a day, with no strings attached. CRMC staff actively contributes through food donations and volunteer work to ensure these pantries are always stocked.
Additionally, CRMC works with Catholic Charities of St. Cloud and Salem Lutheran Church to provide free frozen meals to seniors living in Crow Wing County. The program eases the burden of meal preparation for seniors and gives them convenient access to nutritious meals. Additionally, CRMC supports initiatives such as Lunch Bunch, which provides free meals to children at various area pickup locations during the summer months to ensure no child goes hungry when school is out.
Additionally, CRMC's partnerships with local farmers' markets highlight the company's commitment to promoting access to fresh, locally grown produce. Through initiatives such as the Power of Produce program, individuals can make healthy choices by purchasing fresh produce with tokens. This supports local farmers and enables individuals to incorporate nutritious foods into their diets, combating food insecurity and promoting overall health.
These joint efforts are not just words, but actions that demonstrate our commitment to eliminating food insecurity and promoting healthy nutrition in the communities CRMC serves. Working with local agencies and community partners, CRMC is making great strides to ensure people of all ages have access to the nutrition they need to survive. In doing so, they are not only addressing an immediate need, but laying the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities for future generations. Every day, we are given the opportunity to make a difference for others. Thank you to all who choose to support Brainerd Lakes area organizations fighting food insecurity. For additional information about local food resources, visit https://crowwingenergized.org/coalitions/food-coalition/.
All resources can be found at https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/minnesota or www.health.state.mn.us/docs/communities/titlev/foodaccess.pdf
Crow Wing Energized was founded with the mission “to improve the health and wellness of our community by making healthy choices easy.” We know this is best accomplished by working together for the betterment of our community. That's why in our Midweek Motivator articles, we also highlight the efforts of other organizations and programs. We want to connect our readers to services, events, organizations and resources that promote healthy living and a healthy, productive workplace. To learn more about Crow Wing Energized and upcoming classes and events, visit CrowWingEnergized.org. You can also follow Crow Wing Energized on Facebook for the latest updates.
KariLee Pietz is a licensed social worker and director of behavioral health and care management at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.
