Local food pantries are feeling the strain. At a recent meeting, volunteers gathered to explore ways to strengthen these vital resources. They discussed bringing in help from AmeriCorps VISTA, a program that could provide work support for food pantries in the region.
Janice Tweet, director at the Great Plains Food Bank, pointed out that most food pantries rely heavily on volunteers. “It’s rare to find a pantry with paid staff,” she noted. Even with a few paid positions, many hands are needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Recent statistics shed light on the urgent need for more support. A survey by Great Plains found that 58% of pantries are short on volunteers, and 44% struggle with funding. Many are facing decreased donations and have had to purchase food from other sources. This financial pressure means pantries must focus primarily on acquiring food, rather than paying staff or covering overhead costs.
In 2024, Great Plains Food Bank distributed nearly 16 million pounds of food, a 19% increase from the previous year. This food helped over 151,000 people, which is about one in five residents in North Dakota. Alarmingly, a third of those receiving aid are children, and 16% are seniors.
Felicity Merritt from the Souris Basin Planning Council emphasized the importance of engaging more volunteers. She explained that bringing in a VISTA member could cost around $40,000 a year, but it would be free for the pantries themselves. This support could drastically improve their capacity to assist the community.
During the meeting, participants discussed how helpful tools for managing volunteers and social media strategies could enhance their outreach. With increased support, these food pantries hope not just to meet current demands but also work towards reducing the need for food assistance altogether.
This situation isn’t just local. Across the country, food pantries are facing similar challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many saw a surge in demand. As people return to work, the hope is that fewer will need food assistance, but underlying issues like poverty and rising living costs persist.
In sum, the effort to strengthen food pantries is not just about immediate aid; it’s about building resilient communities. With the right support, these organizations can continue to help those in need while working towards a future where fewer people require assistance.
For more insights, you can check additional resources from Great Plains Food Bank here.
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