South Dakota Food Banks Face Soaring Demand As Shutdown Drags On

As the ongoing government shutdown nears the seven-week mark, there’s still no clear end in sight. One thing is certain: many of our friends and neighbors are struggling as the shutdown continues to take its toll.

Food pantries and food banks across the region are feeling the strain. Shelves are emptying faster than they can be restocked, and demand for donations is higher than it’s been in years. That demand will only continue to grow if the shutdown lingers.

If you’re in a position to help, now’s the time to do it. Even small donations make a big difference.

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According to Dakota News Now, food bank officials across the Midwest say the most needed items include:

• Canned vegetables and fruits

• Soups, pasta sauces, and cereal

• Peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and boxed skillet dinners

• Canned proteins like tuna, chicken, and beans

• And of course, cash donations

Monetary contributions go a long way. Food banks can often purchase food in bulk at discounted prices, stretching your dollar far beyond what an individual can buy at the grocery store.

Whether you choose to give food or funds, your generosity can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry during this difficult time.

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If you’d like to make a donation, here are several Sioux Falls and South Dakota organizations that could use your support right now:

Faith Temple Food Giveaway in Sioux Falls

• 100 N. Lyon Boulevard Nordstrom-Johnson Building, Sioux Empire Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls, SD
• (605) 332-2303
• Fridays 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Cars can start lining up at 3:00 pm)
• Anyone 18 years or older
• A pre-packaged box of food in a drive-thru style giveaway.

Feeding South Dakota – Statewide Mobile Food Pantry

• (605) 335-0364
•  Drive-through style distribution at various locations throughout the month
• No pre-registration, referrals, or I.D. are required to visit a Mobile Food Distribution site. You may receive food from any one site one time each calendar month.

Sioux Falls Salvation Army Emergency Food Pantry

• Family Services Center, 900 N. Cliff Ave.
• 605-332-2331
• Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Offering packaged and canned food, as well as fresh fruit, produce, and meat. Individuals and families visiting the food pantry are asked to provide name, the number of people in the household, and their ages

Senior Food Commodity Boxes From the Sioux Falls Salvation Army

• Salvation Army Worship and Service Center, 800 N. Cliff Ave.
• 605-332-2331
• Food boxes are available for pick-up on the second Thursday of each month. Homebound seniors can also make arrangements to have their food box delivered. For more information or to apply to the Senior Food Commodity Box program, please call 605-332-2331.

Food To You Mobile Food Pantry

• Four locations in Sioux Falls throughout the month
• Guests can receive food from Food to You one time per calendar month

• 1st Thursday: East Side Lutheran 1300 East 10th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57103
• 2nd Thursday: Messiah New Hope 5001 East Madison Street Sioux Falls, SD 57110
• 3rd Thursday: Augustana Lutheran 235 North Prairie Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104
• 4th Thursday: Garfield Elementary - Oyate Community Center 2421 West 15th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Union Gospel Mission – Food Box Program

• 220 N. Weber Avenue Sioux Falls, SD
• Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (CT)

No matter how you choose to give, whether it’s a few cans of soup, a jar of peanut butter, or a small cash donation, your kindness will help to keep food on tables across South Dakota.

Thank you!