As we move into 2015 we want to take a moment to reflect on our efforts to solve the issue of hunger in 2014.  With the help of our partners we were able to serve 87,000 people and provide 11.4 million meals in North Dakota and Clay County, MN. Working together, we can make a difference in our communities. Thank you.
 

Please consider giving to the Great Plains Food Bank during the eighth annual Giving Hearts Day event. Simply go to impactgiveback.org on Thursday, February 12 and choose to help us help hungry children in our communities. All $10 or more online donations will be matched up to $46,000 thanks to our match partners, Capital Credit Union (Bismarck), Choice Financial (Bismarck & Fargo), DMF, KLJ Employees,Maring Williams Law Office (Bismarck & Fargo) and a group of generous individuals. Together we will end childhood hunger!
 

The Great Plains Food Bank proudly presents the Cando Area Food Pantry as a certified Five Star Food Pantry. To qualify for Five Star certification, program leaders complete a nine-section application process covering 78 areas of best practices. Food pantries that meet or exceed 75% of the identified best practices earn the three-year certification, the highest honor possible for a North Dakota food pantry. The Cando Area Food Pantry, the second pantry in the state to qualify, meets or exceeds almost 95% of the recommended best practices for food pantries, placing it among the best of all food pantries. To read the entire story click here.

Our mission is to end hunger through community partnerships, and throughout the year we have been the recipients of grants from many companies and foundations.  Twice a year we recognize those that are helping us fight hunger in North Dakota and western Minnesota.

Alex Stern Family Foundation | $5,000 | BackPack Program

Corwin Wilson LLC | $100,000 | Cass Clay BackPack Program

Dakota Medical Foundation | $5,000 | Achievement Award

Dakota Plains Co-op / Land O Lakes | $10,000

Lucille Braun Family Fund | $6,000 | BisMan Food Recovery

MSA United Way | $20,000

Toyota Dealer Match Program | $10,000 | BackPack Program

Walmart State Giving Grant | $25,000 

There were also many anonymous and individual donors who have given resources to help move our mission forward.  We are grateful for the support and promise to be faithful stewards of your gifts.

A huge Thank You to Choice Financial for challenging their customers to #SwipeOutHunger!  Ever debit card swiped resulted in one meal donated!

Thanks to Integrity Windows for holding a food and fund drive that will provide over 3300 meals for those struggling with hunger in our community!