Peace Garden News

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation has announced a donation to the Great Plains Food Bank (GPFB) in response to increasing hunger concerns in North Dakota. The move comes as the state experiences a public health challenge due to a pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The BCBSND Caring Foundation's contribution aims to bolster emergency hunger relief efforts across the state, supporting GPFB’s network of more than 200 food pantries. This funding will help expand mobile food pantry operations and allow for the purchase of additional pre-boxed food supplies, each containing approximately 20 items such as proteins, fruits, and other staples for families facing food insecurity.

Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation, stated: “This is about meeting a basic human need to ensure no one goes hungry. When families lose access to food, health outcomes suffer. Supporting hunger relief is central to our mission of improving the health and well-being of North Dakotans.”

Both organizations are encouraging community members to participate by volunteering, donating, or sharing information about available resources.

For updated details on SNAP benefits and assistance programs in North Dakota, residents can visit https://ndresponse.gov/shutdownresources.

The BCBSND Caring Foundation was established in 1989 as a private charitable organization focused on addressing key health issues and supporting non-profit sustainability throughout North Dakota.