Shelves at the Great Plains Food Bank Distribution Center look bare recently as the organization deals with shortfalls. Photo: Great Plains Food Bank

BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota’s only food bank is expected to see as much as 1 million fewer pounds of food to distribute this year in the state, equating to roughly 800,000 fewer meals for hungry North Dakotans.

Great Plains Food Bank says with high food prices, high gas prices, and historically low amounts of food being donated, they have shortfalls coming at a time when hunger is impacting one in six residents of North Dakota.

Chief Operating Officer Kate Molbert says their shelves at distribution sites in the state look a lot different this year.

Molbert says their organization is facing one of their biggest challenges moving forward in their service.

The Great Plains Food Bank distributed more than 13.4 million pounds of food during the most recent fiscal year, which runs from July until June each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the price of food at home rose to 14.3 percent in June over the last year for those living in the Midwest region.

Meanwhile, prior to the current uptick in inflation, nearly half of Great Plains Food Bank clients were already making the difficult choice between buying food or filling their car with gas.

Molbert added there are ways members of the public can help them continue providing food to those who need it.

Financial donations will directly fund additional food purchasing and can be made at the link HERE. Additionally, food donations are needed and can be made at the Great Plains Food Bank or one of our local food pantry partners.

A complete list of each partner can be found HERE.