Plains Pantry Program: Tackling Food Insecurity in the Heartland
NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET — The Great Plains Food Bank's Kitchen Coalition initiative supplied nearly 40,000 meals over the last year to individuals statewide who were facing food insecurity.
The initiative collaborates with nearby eateries and food service companies, utilizing excess cuisine to prepare meals for individuals facing significant needs. This project presently encompasses 10 locations spread throughout various cities within the state, such as Bismarck and Williston.
Ashley Baker, who serves as the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator at the Great Plains Food Bank, mentions that this initiative, launched initially in 2023, provided an avenue for individuals to contribute positively to their community.
"So it appeared as an opportunity to reinvest your money within the community by hiring local kitchens and caterers to prepare meals which were subsequently provided to nearby neighbors who needed fresh, home-cooked food. This concept of providing ready-to-eat meals emerged from that approach," explained Baker.
Baker indicates that the expansion of their distribution centers has enabled the coalition to assist more individuals who require aid. However, she notes that the demand continues to increase.
"It's expanding in the areas where we began, and there's an increased demand over time for providing more meals or developing additional initiatives aimed at helping those in need. So, we've seen growth in both fronts—whether it's the initial partnerships requiring more meals over the last two years or branching out into new organizations," explained Baker.
Even though the coalition provides around 1,800 meals per week at its 10 various sites, Mike Zimmerman, who leads the Men’s Winter Refuge in Minot as executive director, points out that ease of access significantly influences food scarcity throughout the state.
It's great that we have food pantries and soup kitchens, but typically the main issue people face is getting there," Zimmerman noted. "This isn’t only true for Minot; it applies statewide as well. Offering more transportation options—like providing either completely free rides or affordable ones—to local food banks could really help out.
Nonetheless, Baker indicates that the alliance’s initiative to supply ready-made meals aims to keep helping individuals in various neighborhoods who struggle during tough periods.
"So this solution truly addresses the needs of individuals during times of change who might not have access to a proper home, good health, or the necessary skills—whether it be knowledge-based or otherwise—to prepare meals using items obtained from nearby food banks," explained Baker.
The Great Plains Food Bank is considering an expansion possibility in Minot along with various other sites throughout the state.
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