Helping Others In A Time Of Need
With the government shutdown reaching 40 days over the weekend, many programs have faced uncertainty, but likely none more than food assistance programs. SNAP benefit recipients have seen conflicting reports about those benefits with courts involved and emergency funds proposed for use. None of that, however, has been decided or enacted by the federal government.
To that end, the State of North Dakota released funds last week that would help add supplies for the Great Plains Food Bank which supports food pantries and mobile food distributions across the state.
Emergency food distributions with mobile food pantries began on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and continue this week. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, distributions are set for Watford City, Garrison, New Salem, Tioga and Stanley. Tioga’s distribution is set from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Tioga Fire Hall. Stanley’s is set from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Mountrail County Fair Building/South Complex.
Meanwhile, communities are stepping up across the state and nation to help those in need. That has been true in many ways in Stanley, but one local business owner has been working to help those in need by providing ready to eat meals and other pantry items in front of her business on Sundays.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, owner Megan Colbenson had put out meals that were quickly taken by grateful people. She continued on Sunday, Nov. 9, this time with help. Volunteers were quick to jump up to help including the American Lutheran Church, which offered use of their kitchen. Monetary donations were given, families donated food and volunteers stepped up to help get the food ready.
These ready to eat meals were available in a cooler in front of West End Boutique starting at noon. These fully cooked meals just needed to be warmed up. This was offered free and anonymously with anyone welcome to pick something up from either these meals or the other options.
Prairie Ford in Stanley is doing a food drive through December 6. Items can be dropped off there during business hours. Items collected will be donated to the food pantry and the SACK program.
For those looking for help, the Mountrail Community Food Pantry is open on Mondays at the Memorial Building, 18 2nd Ave SE, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. They ask that those looking for assistance at the pantry come no later than 2:30 p.m. so that the volunteers can go home at 3:00 p.m. Mountrail County residents are welcome to visit once a month. The Food Pantry will be open all Mondays in November.