North Dakota Department of Agriculture

 

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA), with support from the North Dakota Department of Human Services and the Indian Affairs Commission, awarded 80 grants totaling $2 million to help charitable food organizations and small grocers make necessary investments in tools to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. The state Emergency Commission approved the funding from the coronavirus relief bill in August.

“The grants will help these organizations extend the shelf life of perishable foods in order to provide their clients with continued, uninterrupted access to foods such as fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy products,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “By investing in tools such as refrigeration units, freezer units, coolers, vacuum packers and dehydrators, these organizations will be able to serve current clients with greater efficiency and help even more people.”

“North Dakota’s charitable feeding network partners and senior nutrition program providers deliver vital nutritious food to thousands of vulnerable individuals, and these grants help support that mission and prevent hunger during this challenging time,” said Department of Human Services Executive Director Chris Jones.

Charitable food organizations include any organization that provides food and/or services, including local food pantries, soup kitchens, senior citizen centers, food distribution centers and hubs, churches, donation centers and more. Small grocers include any North Dakota grocer located in a community of 750 or less.