Rob Zeaske

My 10 years working for one of the nation’s largest hunger-relief organizations has led me to think about the holiday season in a completely different way. I see all the symbols of abundance and generosity — the sumptuous family dinners, the celebratory gatherings with friends — and the profound way they convey community, connectedness and human kindness. But these feelings now are also accompanied by a shocking reality.

For those of us fortunate enough to live in the breadbasket of the world’s wealthiest nation, agricultural abundance can feel like our birthright — indeed, food is literally our business in Minnesota, with great companies leading the country in food science and production. Yet this source of pride and economic energy co-exists with an urgent and pressing reality: the fact that one out of 10 Minnesotans at any given time is struggling with hunger.