Government agencies donated more than 17,000 food items to the Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry and the Department of the Margins

BISMARCK, ND (KFYR) – Fifteen government agencies came together on Monday to donate more than 17,000 food items to be distributed between two organizations.

Grocery prices continue to rise as time goes on, putting those already struggling financially at risk. The Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry takes the time and effort to help in these situations. But things are going fast.

Fifteen government agencies, including the State Comptroller’s Office, collected food items to be donated to struggling families.

“The need continues to grow and our shelves continue to get empty, so this has really helped restock them,” said Pat Jergenson, co-chair of the Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry.

The movement began at the State Auditor’s Office as a way for their institutions to contribute to society. State Auditor Josh Gallion has turned the collection into a challenge to increase the number of donations.

“This number has increased considerably since we first started. I want to say in 2021 that number is around 5,600, so far I believe it’s just under 18,000,” Gallion said.

They eventually collected more than 17,000 nonperishable food items, such as peanut butter and other canned goods. The items were split between the Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry and Ministry on the Margins.

“This is how we survive, so it’s thanks to them that we can continue to keep our doors open and do what we do,” Jergenson said.

Jergenson said as soon as the shelves were filled with products, they began to be distributed. He said they serve 45 to 50 families.

The winner of the state institution that collected the most items this year was the Governorship.

Related Posts