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A Fresh Approach to Fighting Hunger: Kitchen Coalition Provided Nearly 40,000 Meals in it’s Second Year

For many neighbors facing hunger, access to food is just one part of the equation. Without a home kitchen, access to refrigeration, or the utensils to prepare food, traditional food pantry offerings may not always be the right solution. That’s where the Kitchen Coalition program steps in – a prepared meals initiative that brings nutritious meals directly to those who need them most.

Launched in 2023, Great Plains Food Bank’s Kitchen Coalition program has grown from serving three sites in a single community to now supporting ten sites across four cities: Bismarck, Fargo, Jamestown, and Williston. The program began by delivering 335 meals per week, has expanded to nearly 1,400 meals weekly ensuring that more people can access high-quality, ready-to-eat food. 

At the heart of Kitchen Coalition is a network of local restaurant and catering partners like Brew Catering, Heart N Soul Community Café, and Power Plate Meals. These catering partners can gather meals that didn’t go out at an event and use surplus ingredients, turning potential food waste into nourishing dishes for shelters and feeding sites.  

“We want to help the community somehow, and this is a great outlet,” shared Jake Hughes, Director of Operations at Brew Catering. “The need is there. We don’t want to see people go hungry, and we know that some people don’t have the means to prepare food.”

For individuals like Warda, Kitchen Coalition has been life-changing. 

“Every Thursday, food is brought in as prepared meals. Those foods have helped us,” she shares. “I don’t have to worry about what my daughter is going to eat tomorrow.” 

The impact goes beyond nutrition. “What people don’t realize is the shame that comes with food insecurity. I felt that in the beginning,” Warda says. “But after getting to know the program and the staff, I understand they’re here to help when I need it. The food has improved my daughter’s life and mine. We get nutritious meals, worry less, and go on with our lives.” 

In 2024, this program provided a total of 39,958 meals. Great Plains Food Bank’s Kitchen Coalition partners include Blessed Builders, Dakota High, Downtown Engagement Center, F5 Project, Fargo VA-CRRC, HeadStart CAP-LP, Jeremiah Program, SENDCAA HeadStart. 

Great Plains Food Bank is looking to expand this service to other locations across North Dakota and Clay County, MN. If any catering or kitchen is interested in participating in the program, please contact Ashley Baker at abaker@greatplainsfoodbank.org.

About the Great Plains Food Bank
Now in its 43rd year, the Great Plains Food Bank serves as North Dakota’s only food bank. Its partner network includes 205 food pantries, shelters, meal sites, and other charitable feeding programs operating in 104 communities across North Dakota and Clay County, MN. Since 1983, the Great Plains Food Bank, through its array of innovative direct service programs and partner network, have distributed more than 256 million meals to children, seniors, and families in need. The Great Plains Food Bank is a partner food bank of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network.

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Great Plains Food Bank
attn. Development Associate
1720 3rd Ave N
Fargo, ND 58102

Phone: 701-476-9120

Email: info@greatplainsfoodbank.org

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