FARGO – Great Plains Food Bank reports the ongoing federal government shutdown is deepening the strain on families across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, increasing the demand for food assistance.

To meet the growing need for services, Great Plains Food Bank is working to raise funds to source and distribute an additional one million pounds of food throughout its service area. The organization’s goal is to ensure families continue to have access to food despite financial and logistical challenges.

Governor Kelly Armstrong and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services have directed $915,000 in contingency funds to the Great Plains Food Bank to bolster its direct service programs and support its network of nearly 200 partner food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens statewide. These funds will enable the organization to purchase and distribute an additional 450,000 pounds of food in November, assisting about 24,000 households on top of regularly scheduled distributions.

“These funds are already being put to work,” said Kate Molbert, interim CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank. “Our team has been able to add 16 additional mobile food pantry routes this month, bringing the total to 25 stops in November. We’re continuing to support our 196 partner food pantries and tribal nations with additional food to meet the growing need. But we know the need is great.”

The Great Plains Food Bank is also coordinating with state and local partners to monitor the situation and maintain consistent food access for all who need it.

“This is a moment for our community to stand together,” Molbert said. “We’re deeply grateful for the state’s support, but we know it will take all of us to meet this challenge. Every dollar, every donated food item, every helping hand makes a real difference. When we act quickly and compassionately, we can ensure our neighbors don’t have to choose between paying for medicine, rent, or heat, and putting food on the table.”