At the Great Plains Food Bank, we know that ending hunger is a team effort. Our work would not be possible without the incredible network of partners who share our commitment to nourishing communities. From food donors and agency partners to volunteers, financial supporters, and Feeding America, each partner plays a vital role in helping us provide healthy, accessible food to neighbors in need.
Together, we are stronger, and together, we will end hunger.
Thousands of neighbors in North Dakota and western Minnesota struggle with hunger, while 27% of food in the U.S. never reaches a dinner table. Our food industry partners bridge this gap, providing surplus food that becomes over 12.6 million meals each year. Food donations account for 86% of what we distribute, with the rest coming from food drives, purchases, and government programs.
Why Donate
Get surplus food into the hands of children, seniors, and families.
Reduce food waste while helping your community.
Join socially responsible companies and individuals working to end hunger.
How to Get Involved
Donate surplus food from your business or organization.
Organize a community food drive.
Connect with GPFB to maximize the impact of your contribution.
Each year, we distribute more than 14 million pounds of food and grocery products to nearly 200 partners across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota. Our partners are as strong and diverse as the staff and volunteers who run them. This network—made up of food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, afterschool programs, and other charitable feeding programs—is on the front lines every day, delivering food directly to children, seniors, and working families in need. They are a vital part of our mission and the emergency food system.
Benefits of Partnering with GPFB
Hands-on support and guidance to help achieve your mission of feeding the hungry.
Access to low- and no-cost food from our warehouse, including donated and purchased products.
Opportunities to participate in programs such as TEFAP, Senior Food Pack, BackPacks, and Mobile Food Pantry.
Access to best practices, innovative ideas, and resources.
Networking with nearly 200 other hunger-fighting organizations.
Becoming a Partner
We celebrate the uniqueness of each partner while maintaining high standards for food safety, client care, and barrier-free service. When starting a new food assistance program, we encourage collaboration with existing programs and look for opportunities to fill gaps in your community.
Eligibility is guided by our partnership matrix. Applications are accepted year-round and typically take 4–6 weeks to process (longer during October–January). Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee partnership; all applications are reviewed to ensure new programs complement existing services and thoughtfully align with our mission.
Partner agencies are charged an annual partnership fee of $50 to help support administrative costs and maintain shared systems and services that strengthen our partner network.
Apply Today
Download the partnership application here.
Submit applications via email: info@greatplainsfoodbank.org. Or by mail: Great Plains Food Bank, 1720 3rd Ave. N, Fargo, ND 58102
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Great Plains Food Bank. Each year, hundreds of dedicated individuals give their time, energy, and talents to help fight hunger across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota. In the past year alone, 3,438 volunteers contributed 11,209 hours to support our mission. From sorting and packing food to assisting at mobile pantries and special events, volunteers play a vital role in ensuring healthy, nutritious food reaches children, seniors, and families in need. Their compassion and commitment make our work possible.
Why Volunteer with GPFB
Make a direct impact in your community by helping provide food to neighbors facing hunger.
Gain hands-on experience in food distribution, logistics, and community service.
Connect and network with other like-minded volunteers and local organizations committed to ending hunger.
Participate in flexible opportunities, from one-time events to ongoing programs.
Receive training and guidance to make your volunteer experience meaningful and effective.
Get Involved
We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Your time, no matter how small, makes a big difference. To explore current volunteer opportunities and sign up, please visit our Volunteer Sign-Up Page.
The Great Plains Food Bank receives charitable contributions from individuals, corporations, churches, civic organizations, government entities, and private foundations. These donations are essential to our mission, helping us provide nutritious food to neighbors in need across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota.
We take pride in using donations efficiently with 95% of every dollar received goes directly into hunger-relief efforts, making GPFB one of the most cost-effective hunger-relief organizations in the state. With every dollar you give, we can provide two meals for those experiencing food insecurity.
Why Donate
Make a meaningful impact in your community by supporting hunger relief programs.
Ensure your contributions are used efficiently and effectively.
Help provide nutritious, balanced food to children, seniors, and families in need.
Join a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to ending hunger.
How to Get Involved
Make a safe and secure online donation here.
Become a recurring donor to provide ongoing support with our Feeding Hope Program.
Explore workplace giving, corporate partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities here.
Every contribution helps turn generosity into meals, providing hope and nourishment to thousands of neighbors every year.
The Great Plains Food Bank is proud to be a member of Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-relief organization. This partnership gives us access to millions of pounds of surplus food and grocery donations from manufacturers and producers across the country.
Feeding America’s network includes more than 200 food banks nationwide, and we work closely with our regional counterparts to share resources, best practices, and innovative solutions. Together, we strengthen our ability to provide nutritious food to neighbors in need and make meaningful progress toward a hunger-free community.
For a full list of the food banks in our cluster click here.
