Food insecurity increasing in North Dakota

JAMESTOWN — Food insecurity is increasing in North Dakota, according to Ethan Liu, a research specialist at the Sheila and Robert Chailey Institute for Global Innovation & Growth at North Dakota State University.

Liu’s data indicates the overall food insecurity rate in North Dakota has risen from 4.8% in 2020 to 8.5% in 2022, the most recent year statistics are available.

“If the family feels they have problems affording food, they have food insecurity,” he said. “The large cities have more resources than the rural areas.”

Liu said food insecurity is less in North Dakota than nationally. The national average for families with food insecurity is 13.1%.

“Almost all (North Dakota) counties have a food insecurity rate of less than 20%,” he said, “but we can do better.”

According to Liu’s report, food insecurity by county in North Dakota ranged from a low of 5.8% in Renville County to a high of 21.4% in Sioux County. Stutsman County had a food insecurity rate of 10.8% and is one of six counties in North Dakota with a food insecurity rate above 10%. Other counties in North Dakota with a food insecurity level greater than 10% are Sioux, Rollette, Ramsey, Benson and Eddy counties.

A new committee is in the process of organizing to address Jamestown and Stutsman County hunger issues, according to Olivia Schloegel, a concerned citizen who’s participated in formal meetings to discuss food access, opportunities and barriers.

“It is still in the organizing steps,” she said. “Trying to decide who should be and involved and what the organization should look like.”

Schloegel said she hoped the group would address the short-term goal of connecting people to food resources and the long-term goal of increasing poverty in the region.

Families with children often have the greatest needs, especially during the summer months when school lunch programs are not available, Liu said.

Families with children often have the greatest needs especially during the summer months when school lunch programs are not available, Liu said.

Nikki Meza, food pantry coordinator for Community Action Region IV in Jamestown, said the needs are growing.

“This year’s numbers are up,” she said. “…if prices were to go down, it helps.”

In the month of November, Community Action Region IV supported 197 families in the Jamestown area. That is at the top end of the average of 150 to 200 families it has provided food to each month this year.

Meza said the food comes from several sources, including grocery retailers in Jamestown that donate food that is nearing its expiration date or is being discontinued. Other sources include individual donations, including organizational or company food drives, which are often held during the holiday season, along with some items from the Great Plains Food Bank.

“At this point, we are meeting everyone’s needs in the community,” Meza said. “It helps out families meet their needs. They can use that money for other needs like boots or winter coats.”

Food distribution has also increased through the Salvation Army in Jamestown, according to Dan Furry, divisional public relations and communications director for the Salvation Army Northern Division.

Grocery orders have increased 37.4% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter in 2023, he said. A grocery order fulfilled by the Salvation Army would typically supply food necessary for 25 to 30 adult meals.

The Salvation Army is aiding 99 households and 228 individuals in the Jamestown area, an 11% increase from last year, Furry said.

Meza said the best items to donate are pasta, rice and canned soup.

“Those things can go a long way in feeding a family,” she said.

Other items include pet foods, household items and personal care items.

“Simple things that help out families are the best,” Meza said.

Liu said another way to combat food insecurity in North Dakota would be increased funding for Great Plains Food Bank.

Great Plains Food Bank operates from offices in Bismarck and Fargo but partners with local agencies including Community Action, Progress Community Center and the Salvation Army in Jamestown.

“A solution would be more resources for Great Plains Food Pantry,” Liu said. “If they had $47 million it could eliminate food insecurity in North Dakota.”

Liu said the current budget for Great Plains Food Pantry is $18.7 million and is just meeting the most immediate needs of the public.