Federal cuts affect regional food access; more uncertainty to come
Ashley Baker, strategic initiatives coordinator at the Great Plains Food Bank, stocks food in a wellness pantry. (Courtesy of Great Plains Food Bank)
Proposed cuts to the federal food assistance program are coming at a time when agencies addressing hunger in North Dakota are already facing lost revenue and increased need.
'There's a lot of uncertainty right now,' said Darby Njos, spokeswoman for Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo. 'We're still urging lawmakers to support programs that help people get back on their feet while knowing that the needs of people continue to shift.'
The most recent hit to federal food assistance are proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Known as SNAP, this is a federally funded program that gives money for groceries to eligible low-income households – mostly older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children. A budget bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week would end federal nutrition benefits for millions and shift some costs to states, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
The bill still needs to be considered by the U.S. Senate.
More than 3 million people would lose SNAP benefits under GOP bill, nonpartisan report says
Great Plains Food Bank is the only food bank in North Dakota and distributes food to those in need throughout the state and Clay County, Minnesota.
Earlier this year it lost about $1.3 million in funding and food because of federal cuts, Njos said.
Some of those cuts were through a program that allowed the food bank to purchase meat and produce from local farmers. This year Great Plains Food Bank expected three rounds of funding, each around $1 million. The first round came through, the second round of funding was paused and then reinstated.
The food bank has been informed it won't receive the third round, Njos said.
'We worked directly with several farmers, and we had to have some tough conversations,' she said. 'We don't have the ability to make those purchases without that funding.'
In addition, the food bank will not receive summer deliveries of food through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). These deliveries equaled about $300,000 in food.
The nonprofit was able to raise about $250,000 in private funds to help offset those losses, but the cuts are still felt.
'Those cuts impact our day-to-day work,' Njos said. 'We're working hard to fill in those gaps.'
States on the hook for billions under U.S. House GOP bill making them help pay for SNAP
In 2024, the food bank served 151,000 people in North Dakota and Clay County. About one-third of those served are children; 16% are seniors, Njos said.
'These are vulnerable populations that don't have a lot of options if they're hungry,' Njos said. 'You don't want them worrying about where to get their next meal.'
About 28% of Great Plains Food Bank's food sourcing traditionally comes through government programs. While some funding and commodities are still being received, the loss of purchasing power strains resources.
'We've had to adapt quickly,' Njos said. 'These cuts are real, and they're being felt at every level.'
Susie Boelter is executive director of North Country Food Bank, which serves part of Grand Forks County in North Dakota and 21 counties in northwestern and western Minnesota. This food bank has seen what Boelter calls 'staggering increases' of use over the past three years.
Cutting federal food assistance would add to that need.
'If there are cuts to SNAP that would have a huge impact on us,' Boelter said. 'For every meal we provide (through the food bank), SNAP provides nine.'
North Country Food Bank has seen some shifts in which federal contracts are funded but it hasn't seen a loss in overall federal revenue. Boelter said it's still time for additional help – not less.
'Any additional cuts will put a ton of pressure on our emergency food system,' she said. 'Food banks are good at getting food into the hands of people who need it, but it's time to sound the alarm.'
One bright spot in food assistance is that federal funding for summer food programs remains in place, according to Melissa Anderson, assistant director for Child Nutrition and Food Distribution Programs at the state Department of Public Instruction.
Two federal programs – Summer Food Service and the Summer EBT – provide nutrition for North Dakota students who have access to free and reduced-cost meals during the school year.
This summer 42 schools and nonprofits are offering a free meal or snack at over 130 sites throughout North Dakota.
In addition, the state Department of Public Instruction works with the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute EBT cards worth $120 to eligible students. Households have 120 days to use those dollars to purchase groceries, Anderson said.
The state expects about 44,000 students will be eligible.
These summer programs are successful in getting food to those who need it, and Anderson is optimistic the funding will remain. She also acknowledges that policies and funding streams can change quickly.
'Every day there's new information,' Anderson said. 'We're trying to stay positive but there are a lot of unknowns.'
Lawmakers earlier this year approved $5 million in grant funding for the Great Plains Food Bank through the state Department of Agriculture to support the construction of a new statewide distribution center. The state's investment will be matched by private donations raised by the agency.
The food bank is preparing to break ground in 2027.
This investment reflects the region's commitment to taking care of their neighbors, Njos said.
'We've always thrived in times of crisis,' said Njos. 'North Dakotans stand up when their neighbors are in need, and we'll continue doing whatever it takes to ensure no one goes hungry.'
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