United Against Hunger: How South Dakota Nonprofits are Collaborating to Combat Food Insecurity

In South Dakota, the need for food assistance is growing, especially as government support decreases. Recently, 40 organizations came together to tackle the issue of food insecurity through the South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative. Jennifer Folliard, a key member, describes it as a space for organizations to unite and create solutions.

According to Feeding America, around 113,500 South Dakotans faced food insecurity in 2023. This means they struggled to access enough food consistently. The collaborative’s objective is to improve public health by sharing resources and coordinating efforts statewide.

Feeding South Dakota, a major partner, is the state’s largest food relief network. They operate distribution centers in Rapid City, Pierre, and Sioux Falls, reaching all 66 counties. They provided over 11.7 million meals in the last fiscal year and aim to bridge gaps in food supply, like the recent loss of 1.5 million pounds of USDA food assistance.

Bread Break, another vital player, collects surplus food from various businesses and distributes it to over 30 partners, including food banks. Executive Director Pam Cole highlighted the rising demand for food assistance recently. “The need is increasing rapidly,” she said, noting that last year the organization recovered more than 300,000 pounds of food. This year, they are on track for at least 400,000 pounds.

Community reliance is evident in personal stories, such as that of Sioux Falls resident Traci Praul. She uses SNAP benefits and local services to manage her food needs. Praul reflects, “It’s tough to know what changes to expect from the government.” Rising food prices make it even harder for many to make ends meet.

Interestingly, 40% of all food in the U.S. goes to waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This amounts to $218 billion annually. Pam Cole argues for systemic changes to address this massive waste, emphasizing, “Our food system is broken.” Experts agree that improving the efficiency of food distribution could be one way to mitigate food insecurity.

As organizations continue to collaborate and innovate, there’s hope that the collective effort will yield change. According to Folliard, South Dakotans are resourceful and resilient. “People want to work together to find solutions,” she said, illustrating the spirit of the community.

For related insights, you can learn more about food insecurity from reputable sources like the Feeding America research page.

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