Simplified: The federal shutdown and subsequent pause in benefits to the 75,000 South Dakotans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is creating a gap that's too big for philanthropy to fill, according to Feeding South Dakota CEO Lori Dykstra. Even so, her organization and many others are doing everything they can to stretch the resources available in the meantime, and they need the community's help.

Why it matters

  • Dykstra said this week the organization is already having to turn people away at food distribution lines in the state's largest cities as demand increases as much as 50%. And that's before the uncertainty over Nov. 10, when SNAP benefits are usually dispersed but may not come through.
  • Donors are stepping up in a variety of ways, including support from local businesses and grocers, and all donations to Feeding South Dakota are matched this month.
  • It's great news, and it's helping in the short term. But Dykstra said Feeding South Dakota is already starting from behind due to cuts in federal support back in March resulting in missing out in 1.5 million pounds of food. That, paired with rising costs of food and an increase in people showing up needing help makes for a tough – if not impossible – hill to climb.
"This is a hard time of year for people anyway," Dykstra said. "There's going to be more neighbors turning to the charitable food network – many for the first time ever – and we don't have the resources to support them."

Tell me more

It's not just Feeding South Dakota. The Banquet in Sioux Falls is also bracing for an increase in demand, according to Volunteer and Marketing Coordinator Chris Jacobs.

  • The Banquet is also seeing an increase in support, including several local businesses assisting with food drives.

Meanwhile, Gov. Larry Rhoden told South Dakota Searchlight this week that he won't use the state's rainy day fund to fill the gap in SNAP funding during the government shutdown.

For every meal Feeding South Dakota provides, SNAP funding provides nine, Dykstra said. So as long as that funding is on pause, the gap in need and help available is going to continue to widen.

"We can’t increase our food output by 800%," she added. "There's just no way for us to fill that gap. We have an amazing philanthropic community in our state ... however, we cannot fundraise our way out of this situation."

So, what are we supposed to do?

There are a number of ways to help.

Donations go a long way. Dykstra said if you're looking to really stretch your money, Feeding South Dakota can usually provide as many as three meals for $1.

  • Through the month of November, all donations are matched, which means your $1 donation can provide up to six meals for people in need.

If you have extra food, that's also very helpful.

Here's a list of some top items requested at The Banquet:

  • cereal
  • pasta
  • pasta sauce
  • rice
  • canned fruits and vegetables
  • canned meals (soups, chili, pasta, etc.)
  • juice
  • peanut butter
  • macaroni and cheese
  • canned protein (tuna, chicken and turkey)
  • beans (canned or dry)
  • oatmeal
  • canola or olive oil

A note: The Banquet cannot accept homemade food, home-canned items, frozen food, food that is opened, expired or in glass containers.

You can also find opportunities to volunteer at The Banquet here and at Feeding South Dakota here.

Because SNAP funding is a federal program, you can also help by advocating to Congress for the end of the government shutdown and restoration of those benefits. Feeding South Dakota has a helpful resource on how to contact the state's congressional delegation.

"There is a way out of this," Dykstra said. "And it's together with our community, our donors, our churches and our government, collectively."