BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — Last week, KX News reported on a hunger and health summit hosted by a group that aims to bring good food and full stomachs to all of North Dakota.
Currently, we are visiting local food pantries and soup kitchens to better understand food insecurity in the community.
“We're actually seeing higher levels of food insecurity than we saw at the peak of the pandemic,” said Jill Ambuehl, coordinator for the North Dakota Coalition to Create a Hunger-Free Society.
Soup kitchens and food pantries across the state agree that they have seen the effects of inflation firsthand from people who visit their facilities.
“We've seen a significant increase in the last few months, especially with new families,” said Major Nelson de la Vergne of the Salvation Army. “We have some regulars who come every month, but we've also seen a lot of new families.”
At the Salvation Army, the empty shelves say it all. Heaven's Helpers Soup Cafe has also seen an increase in regulars.
Hunger and Health Summit works to keep ND food on the table full
“The homeless population has remained pretty stable,” explains Mark Meyer, the kitchen's founder and executive director, “but we're seeing a lot more people than we've seen before, among the working poor, the elderly, and especially children with school out, who are being pushed into poverty in search of food.”
Despite high demand for food and the possibility of food shortages, both stores are urging people to continue visiting.
“Maybe they'll look at the stores and see that our shelves are low,” de la Vergne said, “and they'll actually not buy as much as they're allowed to. We have to tell them, 'No, we'll replenish as food arrives. We'll do everything we can to maintain supplies of essential goods.'”
If you've ever wondered if you qualify for a food pantry, representatives from the organization say it's important to visit a food pantry before you need it.
“When the shelves are nearly empty and there are no funds to meet the need, that's when you come in,” said Maj. de la Vergne.
“If you feel like you can buy food but not nutritious food, I would encourage you to visit a food pantry, especially as we move into the summer months and there will be an abundance of fresh produce coming in,” Ambuell continued.
Whether it's the food pantry or soup cafe, employees say they're always welcome.
“Nobody is turned away,” Ambuehl added, “As long as you're there and say you need help, you'll get help.”
Both the Salvation Army and Heaven's Helpers are looking for volunteers for the summer, so to find out how you can apply click on the links here for the Salvation Army and here for the soup kitchen.
