News from the Great Plains Food Bank                                                          January 2011

   A program of Lutheran Social Services of ND

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 Year In Review : 2010

As we look back on 2010, both services and needs reached all time highs, with food for 5.7 million meals provided to more than 66,000 individuals struggling with hunger. Food shelf visits were up by 8.4% and emergency meals served by more than 9%.  It is because of the incredible partnerships with food companies, volunteers, partner agencies and financial supporters that we touched the lives of 1 in 11 seniors and working families including 1 in 7 children seeking emergency food assistance last year.  The Great Plains Food Bank distributed a record 7,426,876 pounds of food. 

 

Recognizing the Best
The Great Plains Food Bank is calling for nominations for the first annual Agency of the Year award.  Our network of 268 nonprofit charitable feeding programs are providing services in 93 communities across North Dakota and western Minnesota.  This spring one of them will be presented with this award.  We encourage you to  nominate your favorite food pantry, soup kitchen or emergency shelter for this distinguished honor.  Nomination forms and more details can be found here.

Walmart's Commitment to End Hunger
The Great Plains Food Bank received major support totaling $130,000 and annual food donations providing for more than 450,000 meals from the Walmart Foundation, Walmart's North Dakota State Advisory Council and the 12 Walmart stores located across North Dakota and Dilworth, Minnesota.  Walmart store associates and Walmart customers gave these generous donations as a result of Walmart's "Fighting Hunger Together" initiative.  To learn more click here.
In This Issue
2010: A Record Breaking Year
Agency of the Year Nominations
Walmart's Generosity
 Small Bite 

The Great Plains Food Bank network serves a broad cross section of individuals and families in North Dakota and western Minnesota.  According to the 2010 Hunger In America study 78% of our clients live below the poverty level, and 37% of the household members are children.

 


 Looking Ahead

February 6, 2011
Super Bowl of Caring
in churches statewide

February 11-13, 2011
From the Heart Food Drive
Sponsored by Fargo Jaycees
Fargo Cashwise 10am-6pm
 
February 13, 2011
MN Wild & MN Hockey Association
Food Drive | Moorhead Arena
 
February 19, 2011
Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament
 Registration starts at 9am
Oak Grove Park
EPS Logo
The Great Plains Food Bank strives to create hunger-free communities by recovering and distributing surplus food, engaging in community partnerships and advocating for social change.  The Food Bank is a program of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota and a member of Feeding America.

Lose Weight and Feed Your Community

NBC's Biggest Loser, Feeding America and the Great Plains Food Bank

team up for the third year in a row for the Pound for Pound Challenge. 

For every pound you pledge to lose the Great Plains Food Bank will receive one pound of groceries.  Click here to Take the Pledge to remain healthy or lose weight and join the Great Plains Food Bank team, Fighting Hunger...Feeding Hope. For more information contact us.