Feeding South Dakota is facing a problem most organizations would gladly welcome: they have a surplus of food at the moment, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of people across the state.

According to Dakota News Now, stacks of boxes and overflowing bins line the floors as volunteers carefully sort and organize donations throughout the holiday season. Every can, box, and bag represents someone who cared enough to give, and someone else who will soon feel a little less worry at the dinner table.

The timing of this outpouring couldn’t be more important. With the recent government shutdown, interruptions in SNAP benefits, and the ongoing strain of a tough economy, more families are finding themselves in need. Food drives have popped up all over South Dakota in response, and the community has answered the call in a big way.

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That generosity has led to a surge in non-perishable food items arriving at Feeding South Dakota, especially meaningful during a season when demand is at its highest. While it’s a “good problem” to have, it also requires a lot of helping hands to turn donations into meals.

Feeding South Dakota works tirelessly to make sure food is distributed to pantries, schools, and community partners throughout the state. But this vital mission doesn’t run on donations alone; it runs on volunteers. These are the people who show up, roll up their sleeves, and help ensure food reaches neighbors who truly need it.

Without volunteers, this entire distribution effort would slow to a crawl. With them, it becomes a lifeline.

Feeding South Dakota wants every volunteer to know just how grateful they are. Each shift worked, and each box sorted makes a real difference for families facing uncertain times.

READ MOREThe Hope For the Holidays Toy Drive

And the need continues. Just like food drives, volunteering is always in season. If you feel a tug at your heart to help others this holiday season, Feeding South Dakota is always looking for the next volunteer ready to make an impact.

For more details on how to volunteer, find that information here.

14 Grocery Shortages South Dakota May Deal With This Winter

It seems like grocery shopping has turned into a hit-and-miss experience across the Midwest. South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa have seen empty shelves next to fully stocked ones.

All the jelly you want, but no peanut butter, for example.

The fallout from the first year of the COVID pandemic is still with us. Add to that the effect of the war in Ukraine and weather disasters.

Disruptions to global shipping and the domestic supply chain mean that you may run into a situation where you don't know if all you need will be in stock. 

Winter 2022-2023 is looking to deal with several possible shortages of some grocery store favorites. 

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

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