Feeding South Dakota is proud to acknowledge 50 years of dedication to their mission to end hunger in South Dakota and invites community members to join them in honoring these efforts in a variety of ways throughout 2025.
Feeding South Dakota’s CEO, Lori Dykstra shared “The work of this organization has been in a constant upward trajectory because of the strides that have been made not only by Feeding South Dakota and our community partners but also the donors, volunteers, and community members who share our passion to end hunger. We’re honored to recognize this by sharing our rich history while bringing an understanding to what the future of fighting hunger looks like in our state.”
To launch the anniversary, Feeding South Dakota will post a weekly podcast on their YouTube Channel called, “50 Faces of Feeding South Dakota.” Each episode is a casual conversation about hunger, its impacts, and the work that is being done to provide food access to those who need it most.
Also new in January is the 605 Meal Makers monthly donation group. Creating a reliable source of year-round funding, the organization aims to secure 50 new donors who choose to commemorate the anniversary with a monthly gift of $50 or greater through the 605 Meal Makers group.
Many public and private events are in the planning stages along with unique opportunities that will be exclusively available in this 50th year.
As the need for food access grew, a third distribution center was opened in Pierre in 2010.
When, in 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic caused a nation-wide crisis, the organization quickly pivoted to a mobile distribution model, serving more than 125 communities in the state each month.
“Through the last five decades, this organization has continuously evolved both operationally and programmatically to meet the needs of countless South Dakotans facing hunger,” said Dykstra. “Today, more people are seeking food assistance than ever before, including working families. As we look at the future, we will continue to partner with communities to respond to their unique needs so that we can address hunger for the decades to come.”
Feeding South Dakota’s core belief is that when communities have access to healthy food, everyone benefits. Through sourcing, storing and distributing food, operating hunger-relief programs, and advocating for a supportive policy environment the organization pursues their vision of a state where no one person’s health, well-being, or potential is hindered by the availability of nutritious food.
To learn more about Feeding South Dakota’s 50th Anniversary, its programs, how to volunteer, and ways to provide support visit their website at feedingsouthdakota.org, email info@feedingsouthdakota.org or call 605.335.0364.
Comments