By T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter

The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association on Nov. 24 officially donated some 12 tons of turkey to Hunger Solutions Minnesota (HSM) — enough bird to feed 32,000 people.

The donation was highlighted at a Capitol press conference attended by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, association and food shelf officials and a fully alert turkey, one of the 45 million the state’s 250 turkey producers will send to market this year.

Pictured: Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson cradles a Minnesota-grown turkey at a Nov. 24 Capitol press conference. The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association announced that it’s donating 24,000 pounds of turkey to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, along with a cash contribution. (Photo by T.W. Budig)

Minnesota is the top turkey producer in the nation. The $600 million industry directly or indirectly accounts for 26,000 jobs, according to the association. In addition to the turkey donation, the industry also made a cash donation.

Hunger Solutions Minnesota expressed its appreciation for the association donation. “We are alarmed that nearly 430,000 individuals have visited food shelves so far this year,” said HSM Board Chairwoman Mary Pat Raimondi. “This generous donation of locally grown, high quality nutrition will go a long way to counteract the harmful impact that the recession is having on Minnesotans.”

Although Pawlenty has personally handled the guest turkey at previous donation press conferences, the governor delegated the duty to Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson. The bird only openly rebelled against the commissioner while being placed back in its cage.

Comments (1)

MRS: ... Interestingly enough, after checking with 15 food shelves, a Feed My Sheep Program and a Fair Share program, none of those programs - which are geared toward feeding the hungry - none received the largess of the turkeys. Where did they actually go? 1 December 04, 2009

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