Great Plains Food Bank launches emergency fundraising campaign

FARGO (KVRR) – The Great Plains Food Bank is launching an emergency fundraising campaign to help ensure families across North Dakota and Clay County, Minn. have access to food during the government shutdown.

“While the full impact of the shutdown is still unfolding, we know hunger doesn’t wait so we’re mobilizing early,” said Kate Molbert, Interim CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank.

“We’re preparing now for an increase in neighbors turning to us for help, including families who rely on SNAP to feed their children, federal employees missing paychecks, seniors on fixed incomes, and others whose budgets are already stretched thin.”

The organization says if the shutdown continues beyond October 31, SNAP benefits for more than 48,000 North Dakotans and for over 440,000 Minnesotans will be paused, leaving families without the support they rely on to keep food on the table.

They are also “coordinating closely with state and local partners to monitor the situation and ensure food access remains consistent for all who need it.”

“This is a moment for our community to stand together,” said Molbert. “Every dollar, every donated food item, every helping hand makes a real difference. When we act quickly and compassionately, we can make sure our neighbors don’t have to choose between paying for medicine, rent, or heat, and putting food on the table.”