Birthright of Fargo-Moorhead seeks $5,000 from county to sustain infant-care supplies; board advises budget route

Volunteers from Birthright of Fargo-Moorhead presented to the Clay County Board of Commissioners on July 1 and requested $5,000 to keep their distribution center stocked with diapers, wipes, formula, clothing and other supplies for infants and children up to age 5. Birthright staff said demand had increased since 2022, in part because of a rise in immigrant families seeking assistance; presenters reported serving 440 people so far in 2025 and noted mobile and in-office distribution partnerships.

Family Health and WIC staff told the board they routinely refer families to Birthright when families need formula or diapers and said Birthright acts as an important community resource. Public Health staff recommended that Birthright present any formal funding request through Public Health's budget process or an external-agency contract instead of an ad-hoc request, to align with how the county handles community partners.

Administrator Larson said he was open to the presentation and acknowledged an immediate need; he advised Birthright to pursue established budget or partnership channels and noted the county would consider the request as part of the budget cycle. No board vote or immediate county appropriation was made on July 1.

Birthright volunteers provided details on donation and drop-off options (Family Service Center location and mailing address) and said the organization is volunteer-run and funded primarily by community donations and the Give-A-Hearts campaign. Staff said usage had increased and that without new funding they might face difficulties within about a year, according to the presenter.