Senate committee approves $10M for Great Plains Food Bank expansion in Fargo

In a recent meeting of the North Dakota Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division, lawmakers discussed a significant funding request aimed at bolstering the Great Plains Food Bank's infrastructure. The food bank, which serves all of North Dakota and parts of Minnesota, is seeking $10 million from the state to support a $30 million facility that will enhance its capacity to distribute food across the region.

The proposed facility is designed to last for 40 to 50 years and will allow the food bank to better serve its partners, including soup kitchens and food pantries, by improving logistics and distribution capabilities. Currently, the food bank distributes over 15 million pounds of food annually to more than 200 partners across 53 counties. The funding request is part of a larger plan that includes a two-to-one match from private funding, meaning the food bank must raise an additional $20 million to complete the project.

During the meeting, committee members expressed support for the funding request but also raised concerns about the state’s financial situation. Some senators noted the importance of understanding the current balance of the State Investment Fund (SIF) before committing to the funding. The SIF is projected to have a balance of approximately $256 million, which could accommodate the request, but lawmakers are cautious about approving large expenditures without a clear picture of the state’s overall financial health.

The discussion highlighted the critical role the Great Plains Food Bank plays in addressing food insecurity in North Dakota. With its main distribution center located in Fargo and another facility in Bismarck, the food bank is strategically positioned to receive food donations from various sources, including local producers and national distributors.

As the committee deliberates on the funding request, the outcome will have significant implications for the food bank's ability to meet the growing demand for food assistance in the community. The proposed amendment to increase the funding from $5 million to $10 million is set to be further discussed in upcoming sessions, with hopes that it will ultimately lead to a stronger support system for those in need across the state.