Sioux Falls Sanaa’s Raises $11,000 To Feed South Dakota

When uncertainty struck South Dakota SNAP recipients awaiting their full November benefits, one Sioux Falls restaurateur turned compassion into action.

Sanaa Abourezk, owner of Sanaa's Gourmet Mediterranean at 401 E 8th Street, hosted a fundraising event that brought the community together.

In just three hours, the packed restaurant raised $11,000 for Feeding South Dakota, providing critical support during a time of need.

The timing couldn't have been more crucial. South Dakota families who anticipated receiving their November SNAP benefits were left in limbo after a Supreme Court decision blocked the distribution, creating unexpected food insecurity across the state.

Abourezk celebrated the community's response with a jubilant Facebook post...

"Thank you Sioux Falls! Together we raised $11,000 in just three hours for Feeding South Dakota. I danced, cooked, and maybe burned a few calories (but not the bread). Your love and generosity filled more than plates. It filled hearts."

Sanaa's Gourmet Mediterranean has long been known for its authentic cuisine, but this fundraiser demonstrated something equally important: a commitment to community welfare that extends far beyond the dining room.