The Great Plains Food Bank is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Hunger Relief Champion awards—the greatest honor the hunger-relief organization can present. This annual recognition celebrates individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional service, passion, and innovation in the movement to end hunger across North Dakota and Clay County, MN.
This year’s honorees include Brenda Janssen, Katie Johnke, Hornbachers, and Bell Bank/Bell Insurance. These recipients embody the spirit of commitment and partnership that fuels our mission to end hunger today, tomorrow, and for good. Through generous contributions of time, resources, and advocacy, each honoree has helped lift our communities and create meaningful change for thousands of our neighbors in need.
Brenda Janssen has been a cornerstone of volunteerism at the Regional Distribution Center in Bismarck since day one. Logging nearly 750 hours herself and inspiring family, friends, and even her pickleball group to join her, contributing another 345 hours. Her efforts reflect an extraordinary personal investment in ending hunger. Brenda’s never-ending smile, positive attitude, and boundless energy are truly contagious. Her commitment to reducing food waste have empowered neighbors with the knowledge on how to prepare the foods they receive to nourish their families.
Katie Johnke, a leader at Bismarck Burleigh Public Health, has been a driving force in addressing the intersection of health and hunger. Since 2020, Katie has helped launch and lead critical programs like their clinic’s Wellness Pantry, which has served 858 patients with nearly 12,000 pounds of food. From coordinating ride access to volunteering at cultural pop-up distributions, Katie continues to eliminate barriers and uplift neighbors with empathy, passion, and purpose.
Hornbacher’s has long stood as a pillar of corporate partnership in our mission. Since 2009, the grocery store has provided more than 13.6 million pounds of food and $1.8 million in donations, making them one of our top-five food donors. Beyond their contributions, Hornbacher’s consistently elevates our mission through media visibility and community engagement, turning every act of giving into an opportunity for awareness and impact.
Bell Bank and Bell Insurance have demonstrated unmatched commitment to the community through their Pay It Forward program. Between Bell Bank, Bell Insurance, and their employees, they have provided over $232,000 in financial support since 1998. Beyond finances, their team has also shared their time with more than 300 volunteer hours from 21 employee groups assisting with repack projects, assembling backpacks, and sorting food drive items. Bell’s investment in programs like the BackPack Program, mobile food pantries, and Packathon events reflects a culture of compassion and action that continues to shape the future of hunger relief.
“We recognize our partners who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to our shared mission,” said Marcia Paulson, Chief Development Officer of the Great Plains Food Bank. “These champions engage and challenge their communities to take action, lift their voices as advocates, and contribute in extraordinary ways to better our communities.”
The 2024 Hunger Relief Champions represent the best of what’s possible when organizations, businesses, and community members come together to serve with passion, act with innovation, and lead with heart.
To view a full list of past Hunger Relief Champion award recipients, please click here.