Around here, we know what it means to work hard. We show up early, stay late, and do what it takes to keep our families going. We also know what it means to look out for each other. That is what makes the Brainerd lakes area special. We do not leave people behind.

Right now, some of our friends and neighbors are struggling in a way we cannot always see. There are folks in Crow Wing County who are working full-time, maybe even more, and still coming up short when it comes to groceries. They are trying to keep gas in the car, pay the rent, and handle rising prices. Sometimes, there just is not enough left to fill the fridge.

The numbers are real. About 8.5% of people here are living below the poverty line. Another 7.9%, more than 5,000 people, cannot count on having enough food each week.

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