The USDA estimates that 27% of all food produced in the United States never makes it to the dinner table, while at the same time thousands of people in North Dakota and western Minnesota are turning to the Great Plains Food Bank and our network of partner feeding programs each month for help. Almost half of those being served are children. The role of the Great Plains Food Bank is to get this available surplus food from those in the industry who have it, to those in our communities who need it.
To this end, we carry out our vision of creating a hunger- free North Dakota and western Minnesota through targeted efforts in the following three service areas: Food Recovery, Food Distribution and Agency Capacity and Client Support.
Our Food Recovery Efforts
Each year, the Great Plains Food Bank recovers more than 6 million pounds of surplus food and related grocery product, valued at more than $10 million from local, regional and national food industry partners. This quality and nutritious food, once destined for the landfill because it was overproduced, incorrectly labeled or packaged, or nearing the end of its shelf-life is now being shared with hungry children, seniors and working families.
Other valuable sources of food are community food and fund drives conducted by hundreds of individuals, businesses, churches, organizations and civic groups; the USDA’s TEFAP commodity program, our Best Buy Purchase program and Feeding America, which allows us to receive critical donations from across the country.
Our food recovery efforts include:
- Perishable Food Recovery Program
- Retail Store Donation Program
- Fresh Produce Initiative
- USDA Commodity Program (TEFAP)
- Best Buy Purchase Program
- Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S)
Our Food Distribution Efforts
Upon recovery, and with the assistance of our incredible volunteer force (needs to link to Volunteer Opportunities html), the Great Plains Food Bank disperses this surplus food and grocery product to our network of more than 240 charitable feeding programs in 90 communities statewide serving those who are hungry or homeless. Partner agencies include food pantries, emergency shelters, soup kitchens, after-school programs and senior meal programs serving more than 60,000 individuals each year who are living paycheck to paycheck, fleeing domestic violence, unemployed, living on a fixed income or homeless.
Monthly, our fleet of trucks delivers product to regional distribution sites and Mobile Food Pantry program sites statewide, and through our perishable food recovery programs efforts throughout the Cass-Clay and Burleigh-Morton county region.
Our food distribution efforts include:
Our Agency Capacity and Client Support Services
In an effort to reach more people in need and better equip our partner agencies with the food supplies and resources necessary in carrying out their work on the front lines, we are engaged in a variety of programs and services that help build agency capacity and lend support to the clients seeking services, they include:
- Agency Capacity Building Program
- SNAP Outreach Program
- Backpack Program
- Disaster Relief Program
Ending hunger is a shared responsibility. If you would like to become a Great Plains Food Bank hunger-relief partner click here or contact us at GreatPlainsFoodBank@lssnd.org.
Contact Us
Great Plains Food Bank
1720 3rd Ave. N.
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: (701) 232-6219
Fax: (701) 232-3871
Email: GreatPlainsFoodBank@lssnd.org
Product Order Line: (701) 232-0820
Product Email: fborders@lssnd.org
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