North Dakota’s only food bank is asking for “urgent help” as it seeks to help residents affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
The Great Plains Food Bank, which has distribution centers in Fargo and Bismarck, is trying to raise the funds needed to source and distribute an additional 1 million pounds of food to meet the “surge in demand expected in the weeks ahead,” the organization’s website says.
“With the real possibility of SNAP benefits being delayed, thousands of families face the risk of not knowing where their next meal will come from,” Kate Molbert, the food bank’s interim CEO, said in a video posted on its website.
Related: How will the government shutdown affect North Dakota? Here’s what to know
The Great Plains Food Bank already distributes millions of pounds of food every year to people across North Dakota and in nearby Clay County, Minnesota.
More than 57,000 people in North Dakota – about 7% of the state’s population – received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. That’s up from about 50,000 people in May 2024. Nationwide, about 42 million people rely on the federal program, which provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food, USA TODAY reported.
How to help people experiencing food insecurity in North Dakota
The Great Plans Food Bank accepts monetary donations online, and donations of essential foods can be dropped off at either of its two distribution centers – 1720 3rd Ave. N. in Fargo or 1315 S. 20th St. in Bismarck.
Every dollar donated helps to provide two meals to people in need, the food bank’s website says. The organization distributes food to a network of nearly 200 partner food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: North Dakota food bank asks for ‘urgent’ help amid government shutdown
