Melissa Sobolik, CEO of Great Plains Food Bank, Announces Departure: What This Means for the Future

FARGO — The Great Plains Food Bank is on the hunt for a new leader. CEO Melissa Sobolik announced she will leave to take a position at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in July. In her farewell email, she expressed pride in her work over the past 18 years, emphasizing the team’s efforts to combat hunger in North Dakota.

The Great Plains Food Bank is the only one in North Dakota, collaborating with 196 partners, including food pantries and shelters, to serve over 100 communities. Sobolik noted that her proudest moments revolve around seeing the smiles of those they’ve helped and listening to their stories of gratitude.

During her tenure, Sobolik launched the Ending Hunger 2.0 program, which focuses on preventing hunger. She became CEO in 2021 and is the organization’s second CEO. Sobolik was not actively seeking a new job but was drawn to the opportunity in Rhode Island after visiting and connecting with the community there.

Jasper Schneider, Chair of the Great Plains Food Bank Board of Directors, highlighted Sobolik’s impact in expanding the organization’s reach, especially during challenging times such as the pandemic and inflation. He remarked, “Under Melissa’s leadership, she’s persevered through all of that.”

A notable achievement for the organization was a recent $5 million funding appropriation from the North Dakota Legislature, marking the largest financial gift in its history. Sobolik’s leadership not only improved the food bank’s stature but also increased food distribution, including to tribal areas in North Dakota.

As the food bank transitions to new leadership, Chief Operating Officer Kate Molbert will step in as interim CEO. Sobolik expressed confidence in her team, stating, “I’ve hired people smarter than me, ensuring that the organization can keep running smoothly.” The board plans to conduct a nationwide search for Sobolik’s replacement and will consider different firms to assist in this search.

This shift in leadership comes as food insecurity remains a pressing issue. Recent studies show that food insecurity rates have surged by 10% since 2020, with an estimated 10.5% of Americans struggling to access adequate food. The Great Plains Food Bank’s efforts remain critical in addressing this ongoing challenge.

As Sobolik embarks on this new chapter in Rhode Island, her commitment to ending hunger leaves a lasting legacy in North Dakota. The Great Plains Food Bank will continue its mission to provide food and hope to those in need.

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