Great Plains Food Bank Sees Largest Increase In Demand

North Dakota food bank served over 167,000 individuals in 2025, the most in its 43-year history.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:50pm

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The Fargo-based Great Plains Food Bank reported serving more than 167,000 individuals in 2025, the highest number in the food bank's 43-year history. CEO Ann Prifrel said one in every five people in North Dakota needed food assistance at some point last year, with 39% of them being under 18 years old. The food bank distributed over 14.8 million pounds of food in 2025.

Why it matters

The significant increase in demand for the Great Plains Food Bank's services highlights the growing food insecurity challenges facing North Dakota, especially among vulnerable populations like children. This underscores the need for continued support and resources to address hunger and nutrition issues in the state.

The details

According to Great Plains Food Bank CEO Ann Prifrel, the organization served more than 167,000 individuals in 2025, the highest number in its 43-year history. This represents a substantial increase in demand, with one in every five people in North Dakota needing food assistance at some point last year. Of those served, 39% were under the age of 18. To meet this heightened need, the food bank distributed over 14.8 million pounds of food in 2025.

  • The Great Plains Food Bank has been operating for 43 years.
  • In 2025, the food bank served more than 167,000 individuals, the most in its history.

The players

Great Plains Food Bank

A Fargo-based food bank that has been serving North Dakota for 43 years.

Ann Prifrel

The CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The significant increase in demand for the Great Plains Food Bank's services highlights the growing food insecurity challenges facing North Dakota, especially among vulnerable populations like children. This underscores the need for continued support and resources to address hunger and nutrition issues in the state.