Armstrong Directs Funds to Support Food and Family Programs

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has directed more than $1.5 million in state funds to strengthen food assistance programs during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The move aims to help thousands of families facing uncertainty as federal food benefits, including SNAP and WIC, face temporary suspension.

Armstrong announced that $915,000 will be distributed to the Great Plains Food Bank, which supplies food to nearly 200 partner food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens across the state.

The funds will allow the organization to purchase and distribute 450,000 additional pounds of food in November—enough to assist around 24,000 households.

“This allocation of state funds will help thousands of North Dakotans keep food on their tables,” said Kate Molbert, interim CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank. The organization recently launched an emergency fundraising campaign to source an additional one million pounds of food for statewide distribution.

Armstrong also directed $600,000 in contingency funds to support the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program through November.

WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and health referrals for low-income women and children under five. Federal WIC funding for North Dakota is expected to run out by mid-November.

“Ensuring access to proper nutrition for mothers and children is essential to lifelong success,” said Pat Traynor, interim HHS Commissioner.

Currently, more than 56,000 North Dakotans—including 28,000 households—are at risk of losing federal food benefits. While SNAP cannot be replaced with state funds, residents can still use remaining balances. 

Armstrong encouraged citizens to donate food or money to local pantries to help fill the gap until federal funding resumes. “We urge every North Dakotan to help support their neighbors during this time of need,” Armstrong said.

For assistance or to donate, residents can visit greatplainsfoodbank.org or the North Dakota HHS website.

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