2018: What a Year It's Been!

Wow! As I look back over the past year, I can't help but smile at the amazing efforts that were put forth by hunger-relief advocates across North Dakota and the nation! Thank you for taking the time and using your voice to ensure our hungry neighbors didn't get left behind. 

We asked you to email, call, take to social media and sign petitions - AND YOU DID! Together, over 700 actions were taken! That's a new record for us. You made a difference for over 97,000 North Dakotans who struggle to put food on the table. 

Because of you, we: 

• Passed a strong Farm Bill! You stepped up, spoke up and delivered. After 2 versions of the bill, threats to SNAP and federal nutrition programs, and worries about the timeline, the entire ND delegation voted for the bi-partisan Farm Bill that was signed by President Trump on December 20, 2018. 
• Doubled the number of advocates! At the beginning of 2018, we had less than 500 advocates. As of today, we are just shy of 1,000 individuals who proudly use their voice to help end hunger. 
• Honored a Champion. Over 200 comments and signatures were received in honor of Senator Heidi Heitkamp. Your kind thoughts and words were delivered to her as a virtual book before her time in office was over. 
• Collected over 40 stories and made 2 coffee table books. Current and former SNAP recipients and current food pantry clients from across the state shared their personal stories of hunger and perseverance. It took remarkable courage to share and we will be forever grateful to them. The books were published and delivered to our delegation during the Farm Bill discussions. 
• Are prepared for the battles ahead. This year, you demonstrated that, together, we can handle anything. Whether we asked you to support or oppose a change, or simply say "thank you," you responded. We have built a strong team of advocates and proven that when we speak with one, unified voice anything is possible. 
   

THANK YOU for an outstanding year. From all of us at the Great Plains Food Bank, we wish you joy and peace this holiday season. 

The North Dakota Legislature convenes on January 3, 2019 in Bismarck. We will be your voice and guide to all things happening at the legislature. We are dedicated to ensure ALL North Dakotans have access to quality, adequate nutrition and have the opportunity to thrive. 

As discovered in our Hunger in North Dakota 2018 study, some of the root causes of hunger identified were affordable or quality housing available, lack of transportation, chronic health conditions and access to health care, affordable and available childcare and poverty. We will keep you informed of any discussions around hunger and its root causes and issue ACTION ALERTS when your voice is needed. 

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Melissa Sobolik at msobolik@greatplainsfoodbank.org.