Fargo, N.D. – As North Dakota faces a growing public health concern due to pause in SNAP benefits, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is proud to support the Great Plains Food Bank (GPFB). The funding will strengthen emergency hunger relief efforts across the state to help keep families fed and communities strong.
Access to nutritious food is essential for health and well-being. When families face uncertainty, health outcomes suffer.
“This is about meeting a basic human need to ensure no one goes hungry,” said Amber Blomberg, BCBSND Caring Foundation executive director. “When families lose access to food, health outcomes suffer. Supporting hunger relief is central to our mission of improving the health and well-being of North Dakotans.”
The donation will help GPFB mobilize its network of over 200 food pantries, increasing the reach of mobile food pantries and providing essential support to those most affected by the shutdown. With the funding they’ll be able to purchase additional pre-boxed food, each containing around 20 ready-to-go food items, including proteins, fruits and other staples to support families facing food insecurity. Together the GPFB and the BCBSND Caring Foundation encourage communities to get involved whether by volunteering, donating or spreading the word about available resources.
For the most up-to-date information about the SNAP pause, food assistance programs and how to find help, the official North Dakota response website is https://ndresponse.gov/shutdownresources
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues to help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff collaborate with grantees to support non-profit sustainability, promote shared outcomes and create lasting change.
About the Great Plains Food Bank
Now in its 42nd year, the Great Plains Food Bank serves as North Dakota’s only food bank. Its partner network includes 196 food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and other charitable feeding programs operating in 100 communities across North Dakota and Clay County, MN. Since 1983, the Great Plains Food Bank, through its array of innovative direct service programs and partner network, have distributed more than 244 million meals to children, seniors, and families in need. The Great Plains Food Bank is a partner food bank of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network.
