With record numbers of Minnesotans reaching out for help to put food on the table, a bill is up for a hearing this week in St. Paul that would help food pantries across the state stay stocked up.
                  
State Senator Melissa Franzen has authored legislation noting food shelves have been dealing for years with a double whammy.  Franzen says Minnesota is now recording more than three million food shelf visits each year and many of those needing help are just kids, so making sure they are fed really is a moral obligation.

Locally, the annual March Foodshare drive kicks off on Friday at Winona Volunteer Services which operates the local food shelves.