RAPID CITY, S.D. – For over a year, local food trucks have come together to support the community with monthly meals. Every last Sunday of the month, they gather at Market Park, serving hundreds of people in need.
Malissa Walters, often called the “Frybread Queen,” has been leading this initiative since November 2024. What started with an NDN Collective grant at Denver Fields has now settled at Market Park due to its growing impact.
“I noticed a need and wanted to help. I thought monthly meals would make a difference, and I’m amazed it’s still going strong,” Malissa shared.
Despite a mostly mild winter, things got tough. The December meal had to move inside the Minneluzahan Senior Center, and January’s event was canceled due to freezing temperatures. However, the community bounced back in February, thanks to partners like Tacos Los Carnales and The Good Stuffed, who provided hot meals. Volunteers also organized a clothing drive to offer winter gear.
Herman White Whirlwind, a local attendee, highlighted the heartfelt effort from Malissa: “Everything she does is genuine. It means a lot to our family.”
Upcoming, the next Food Truck Community Feed is set for March 29th at Market Park, with the setup starting at noon and the meal serving at 1 p.m. For more information and updates, you can visit Malissa’s Frybread Facebook page.
This initiative reflects a growing trend of community-supported meals across the U.S., especially during challenging times. According to a recent survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity has significantly increased in many areas post-pandemic. Community feeds are crucial to addressing this issue, proving that local efforts can make a real difference.
As we move forward, grassroots movements like this highlight the importance of community support, reminding us all that even small efforts can lead to big changes.
