MINNEAPOLIS – Throughout 2019, the Cargill Foundation partnered with many nonprofits to aid children from low income homes and minimize poor nutrition in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. One in eight children in the Twin Cities (approximately 162,500) are at risk for hunger. The Cargill Foundation made this dilemma its priority in 2019 because a stable, nutritious diet is proven to be a necessary foundation for children's health, growth, learning and success.

"As a global food and agriculture company based in Minnesota, our employees across nations work to nourish the world in a safe and responsible way. Nutrition is at the core of what we do," said Michelle Grogg, vice president Global Corporate Responsibility and executive director of the Cargill Foundation. "We bring that same focus on nutrition to the Twin Cities through our funding and partnerships. This year, we specifically focused on childhood nutrition and food justice, supporting organizations that grow healthy foods, educate children and families on food choices and increase access to nutritious foods for children in low income households across the Twin Cities."

Some of the organizations the Cargill Foundation partnered with include Appetite for Change, which offers the opportunity to grow nutritious food in community gardens; Harold Mezile North Community YMCA Youth & Teen Enrichment Center which provides education on the importance of making healthy food decisions; and The Twin Cities Mobile Market, a city bus converted into a grocery store, bringing affordable and fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains and other high-quality groceries directly into neighborhoods in the Twin Cities who do not have easy access to these nutritious foods.

"We're thrilled to provide families with even greater access to healthy, affordable food. Thanks to Cargill's support, we are able to eliminate many of the barriers that prevent families from putting fresh fruits and vegetables on the table," said Leah Porter, director of the Twin Cities Mobile Market.