Bismarck, N.D. – As federal food assistance nears its end on November 1, Governor Kelly Armstrong is stepping in with $1.5 million in state funds for local food banks and nutrition programs.
Among the recipients are the Great Plains Food Bank and the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program. This is vital for North Dakota, where over 56,000 residents are at risk of losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as federal funding runs dry.
The situation comes on the heels of a federal government shutdown that began on October 1. With many families facing uncertainty, Governor Armstrong is urging the community to support local food pantries through donations of food or money.
“The state of North Dakota has both the responsibility and resources to support its residents during this challenging time,” Governor Armstrong stated. “We can help meet the nutritional needs of our children and families.”
To make an immediate impact, Governor Armstrong directed the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate $915,000 to the Great Plains Food Bank and $600,000 to the WIC program, which primarily aids low-income women and children under five.
The Great Plains Food Bank, which is already distributing about a million pounds of food each month, has launched an emergency campaign to gather an additional million pounds of supplies across the state. The recent state funding will enable them to purchase roughly 450,000 more pounds of food, helping around 24,000 households.
In fact, according to their data, 48% of these households have a child under 18, while 30% include school-age children, and 26% have someone aged 60 or older. This shows that the need is deeply rooted in the community.
“Thanks to this funding, we can ensure thousands of North Dakotans keep food on their tables,” said Kate Molbert, interim CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank. “We’re grateful for the support from Governor Armstrong and the state.”
Moreover, WIC funding is also projected to run out by November 10, stressing the urgency of the situation. The impact of federal assistance cuts is not just immediate but could have long-term effects on the health of vulnerable populations in North Dakota.
In light of these developments, it’s clear that community engagement and local initiatives are crucial during these challenging times. If you’re looking to contribute, consider reaching out to your nearest food bank or pantry.
For reliable insights on nutrition and food assistance impacts, you can check out the USDA’s reports on SNAP.
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Gov. Kelly Armstrong,North Dakota,Great Plains Food Bank,WIC,Assistance
