Food Security

Coalition Goals and Progress
Collaborators

Where are we?

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Food Insecurity

%

Childhood Food Insecurity

in Mower County, Minnesota

Source: Gundersen, C., Strayer, M., Dewey, A., Hake, M., & Engelhard, E. (2021). Map the Meal Gap 2021: An Analysis of County and Congressional District Food Insecurity and County Food Cost in the United States in 2019. Feeding America

Our GOAL: No One is Hungry in Mower County

We are aiming to lower the Food Insecurity rate to less than 3%.

We are committed to working towards making sure everyone has enough to eat, when they need it.

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We welcome your help and support in this endeavor to make our community as food secure as it can be.

A New Chapter of Service in Austin

By Alba Muñoz Saiz Lt. Juan Hernandez and his wife, Omayra, are leading a new chapter of service in Austin—rooted in faith, community, and the belief that real change happens when people work together.When Juan Hernandez first crossed the Mexican border 24 years ago...

Building a Food System That Serves Everyone

By Alba Muñoz Saiz and Ethan WattersHow the Hometown Food Security Project is shaping Austin and Mower County’s vision as a true food destinationOn a warm summer evening in Austin, Minnesota, neighbors gathered around tables, not for a meal, but for something just as...

A Fresh Perspective on Food Security

By Alba Muñoz Saiz This internship program brought new energy and new ideas to the fight against hunger in Mower County Future doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are more regularly being taught to look beyond the exam room, to consider how...

Food Insecurity Is About More Than Hunger

Sasha Alexander, volunteer, and Linda LaVallie, Rachel's Hope executive director.  By Jenny QiFood insecurity 101 with economist Craig GundersenIn a nation that produces such a remarkable abundance of food, one might wonder whether and how anyone goes hungry...

The 2024 Hometown Food Security Impact Report

The 2024 Hometown Food Security Impact Report offers an in-depth look at our collective work to address food insecurity across Mower County. It highlights the progress of our cross-sector coalition, the power of community engagement, and the innovative strategies...

Giving Back, Moving Forward

Sasha Alexander, volunteer, and Linda LaVallie, Rachel's Hope executive director.   By Alba Muñoz Saiz A spotlight on local volunteers tackling food insecurity and keeping Austin’s nonprofits running. Sasha stands behind the counter at Rachel’s Hope, folding...

The Cycle of Giving

Bob Rosel’s journey from need to service

Reminder: Free Food with CLUES at Riverland April-June!

Canasta Familiar: Upcoming Food Distribution Dates This free food distribution event provides essential groceries to those in need—no registration required. Upcoming Dates Friday April 11 Thursday, April 17 Friday, April 25 Friday, May 9 Thursday, May 15 Thursday, May...

SNAP Directory is Now Available

Download The Mower County 2025 SNAP Directory today. Get the support you need Local agencies and resources to help you apply for and navigate SNAP benefits. SNAP Resource DirectoryMower County Obtenga el apoyo que necesita Agencias y recursos locales para ayudarle a...

Planting the Seeds of Literacy 

The team behind The Read Seed is changing young lives through the power of books and early literacy. 

Hometown Food Security Project

Hometown Food Security Project
318 Main St N.
Austin, MN 55912

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