The Great Plains Food Bank and its network of partner pantries are working across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota to make sure everyone has access to the food they need.

You can:

• View an interactive map of local food pantries ready to help: greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help/partner-food-pantries

• See a list of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo area food pantries and meal sites for additional community support.

UPDATE: The Emergency Food Pantry in Fargo has temporarily expanded its eligibility for November. Neighbors who received food in October are still welcome to receive a food basket again this month.

The Great Plains Food Bank hosts pop-up food distributions. From regularly scheduled Mobile Food Pantries to responsive Pop-Up Pantries and inclusive Cultural Pop-Ups, these events make sure everyone has access to the food they need. All are welcome to attend and receive food at no cost.

You can:

• View the upcoming food distribution schedule: https://greatplainsfoodbank.org/food-distributions/

• See a list of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo area food pantries and meal sites for additional community support.

Heart‑n‑Soul Community Café

• Locations vary (pop-up/mobile cafes around Fargo-Moorhead)
• Meals served using a “pay-what-you-can” or volunteer model.
• Website: Heart & Soul Cafe Schedule

Valley Senior Services – Community Dining

Valley Senior Services offers nutritious, affordable meals for adults age 60 and older across Cass County and surrounding areas. Meals are prepared by a licensed registered dietitian and meet Older Americans Act nutrition standards.

Community dining sites provide an opportunity for seniors to share a healthy meal and connect with others. Meals are offered on a contributory basis, meaning participants can give what they are able to help offset costs.

Cass County Meal Sites

• Broadway Station, 1461 Broadway N, Fargo – Lunch 11:30 a.m., Mon–Fri | 701-232-7936

• Ed Clapp Park Senior Center, 2801 32nd Ave S, Fargo – Lunch 12:00 p.m., Mon–Fri | 701-298-3976

• Trollwood Village Senior Center, 3105 Broadway N, Fargo – Lunch 11:30 a.m., Mon–Fri | 701-298-3975

• YMCA Fercho, 400 1st Ave S, Fargo – Lunch 11:00 a.m., Mon–Fri | 218-359-2322

• YMCA Schlossman, 4243 19th Ave S, Fargo – Lunch 11:00 a.m., Mon, Wed, Fri | 218-359-2322

• West Fargo High Rise, 230 8th Ave W, West Fargo – Lunch 11:30 a.m., Mon–Fri | 701-356-2047

• Martin’s Lutheran Church, 502 Martins Ave N, Casselton – Lunch 11:30 a.m., Tue, Thu, Fri | 701-347-8219

• Page Café, 122 Morton Ave, Page – Lunch 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Tue, Thu, Fri | 701-668-2254

Some sites (such as senior apartments) serve residents only. Public locations are open to all eligible seniors.

Menus are posted monthly by site and can be found on the Valley Senior Services website.
Learn more at valleyseniorservices.org/community-dining.

Valley Senior Services – Meals on Wheels

The Meals on Wheels program aims to provide one hot, nutritious meal per day for individuals who are 60+ in age, home-bound, and meet our eligibility standards. Volunteers throughout the community will drive meals to the homes of seniors who are entered in our program.

For those living in Cass County (cities including Fargo, West Fargo and Casselton. Frozen meals can be delivered to Rural Cass.), meals are offered to seniors on a contributory basis to offset the cost of providing this service. All meals follow standards set by the Older Americans Act.

• Phone: 701-293-1140
• Website: https://www.valleyseniorservices.org/senior-services/meals-on-wheels/

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (Cass County, North Dakota)

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a bi-monthly (6 times a year) distribution program that helps meet the nutritional needs of people aged 60 and older.

Participants will receive one box and one bag of food every other month. Commodity packages include non-perishable food items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, beans, cereal, pasta and juice.

Persons who participate in this program are approved on an individual basis by the SouthEastern Community Action Agency.

For more information or to apply for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, please contact:

Cate Meyers
701-232-2452 Ext. 148
catem@sendcaa.org

Hosting a pop-up food distribution? Have a resource to add?

Let us know so we can add it to our community resource list.
Submit details here: Submit Details Here

Clay County, Minnesota

All students in Minnesota receive free breakfast and lunch each school day through the Minnesota Free School Meals Program. This program ensures every child can access nutritious meals at no cost.
Families may still choose to purchase snacks, extra servings, or a la carte items, which are not included in the free program. For questions, families can contact their local school district’s nutrition services office or visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Free School Meals for Kids Program.

Cass County, North Dakota

Students in North Dakota may qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. These programs help ensure children receive balanced, healthy meals during the school day.
Families are encouraged to apply at any time during the school year if their circumstances change. Applications are available through your child’s school or district nutrition office, or by visiting the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction’s Child Nutrition Programs.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Find information and apply for SNAP benefits at hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/snap.

You can also apply in person or request a paper application from the Cass County Human Service Zone:

• 1010 2nd Avenue S, Fargo, ND 58103
• 701-241-5747

Cass Human Service Zone welcomes all Economic Assistance applicants — whether for SNAP or any of our other programs — to walk in and complete an application in person at our office. You are also encouraged to stop in to ask questions or receive assistance. We are here to serve.

To apply for Medicaid, SNAP, Child Care Assistance, Heating Assistance, TANF, or to report changes to your case, please visit:

• applyforhelp.nd.gov

You can also apply, report changes, or get answers to questions about Economic Assistance programs by contacting the Customer Support Center:

• 1-866-614-6005 (toll-free)
• applyforhelp@nd.gov
• 701-328-1006
• Customer Support Center, P.O. Box 5562, Bismarck, ND 58506

WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program)

To apply for WIC or ask questions, contact Fargo Cass Public Health:

• 1240 25th Street S, Fargo, ND 58103
•  701-241-1360
• Learn more at hhs.nd.gov/food-programs/WIC/apply.

Need Additional Help Applying for SNAP?

The Great Plains Food Bank SNAP Outreach Team is available to answer questions and assist with SNAP applications.

• North Dakota SNAP Outreach: 1-855-405-0000
• Visit greatplainsfoodbank.org/our-work/snap-program/snap-outreach for assistance.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program)

For information or to apply, contact Clay County Public Health:

• 715 11th Street N, Moorhead, MN 56560
• 218-299-7777
• You can also visit health.state.mn.us/people/wic to learn more.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Learn more and apply for SNAP benefits at dcyf.mn.gov/snap.

You can also apply online through mnbenefits.mn.gov or contact Clay County Social Services for assistance:

• 715 11th Street N, Moorhead, MN 56560
• 218-299-5200

Need help applying?

• Visit the MN Food HelpLine for more information.
  • The Minnesota Food HelpLine is a program of The Food Group where anyone in Minnesota can call to get assistance with food resources. We can see if you qualify for the SNAP program (Formally Food Stamps or known as EBT) and help answer application questions. We can also refer you to food shelves, discounted groceries, senior resources (Meals on Wheels), and other food resources in your area.
  • You can call or text 1-888-711-1151, use the chat feature, or fill out this form to contact them.
• Apply with help from a SNAP specialist at MN Food Helper.
  • Get one-on-one help to make sure your application is completed correctly. Specialists in your community are ready to walk you through the application process.

MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program)

MFIP helps low-income families with children meet their basic needs while helping parents move toward employment and stability. The program provides both financial assistance and employment support.

To start the application process or learn more, contact Clay County Social Services directly:

• 715 11th Street N, Moorhead, MN 56560
• 218-299-5200
• You can also visit mnbenefits.mn.gov to apply online.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance helps families with children who are facing short-term financial hardship, such as housing or utility crises. This program is designed to help prevent homelessness and maintain stability during difficult times.

Applications are managed through Clay County Social Services:

• 715 11th Street N, Moorhead, MN 56560
• 218-299-5200
• You can also visit mnbenefits.mn.gov to apply online.

November 12, 2025:

Congress is taking steps toward resolving the federal government shutdown, now in its forty third day. The Senate has passed a bipartisan plan, supported by members of both parties, to reopen the government through January 30. The House is expected to vote on the plan today.

If approved, the legislation will restore funding for most federal agencies and key programs that support families and communities. This includes programs related to food access, housing stability, public health, and services for veterans and military families.

As part of the agreement, Congress will also hold a separate vote in December on whether to continue the enhanced health insurance subsidies that were expanded during the pandemic.

November 5, 2025:

The federal government has announced that partial SNAP payments will be issued for November 2025 due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

It may take several weeks or longer for states to distribute these payments, and full benefit amounts have not yet been confirmed. While new or reinstated SNAP cases may not be approved until federal funding resumes, applications remain open, and submitting your information now helps ensure it is ready to process once funds become available.

Both Minnesota and North Dakota have taken steps to support families and local food providers during this time:

• Minnesota has allocated $4 million in emergency funding to help food shelves and food banks meet increased demand.

• North Dakota has provided $1.5 million in state funds to assist food relief efforts through partners such as the Great Plains Food Bank.

WIC, MFIP, and Emergency Assistance programs remain open, though processing times may be slower. Counties are continuing to work closely with state partners to support families in need.

If you or someone you know needs food support, visit our Find Food Help section to locate nearby pantries and programs.

If you are unsure which program is right for you or where to begin, call or text 211 or visit myfirstlink.org for free, 24/7 local assistance connecting you to food, housing, and other essential resources.

MATBUS
MATBUS provides public bus service throughout Fargo and West Fargo. Routes stop near grocery stores, food pantries, and community centers. Riders can bring grocery bags on board as long as items fit on their lap or under their seat. Drivers are not able to carry or load items for passengers.

• See routes and schedules at matbus.com.
• Phone: 701-232-7500

MAT Paratransit
MAT Paratransit serves individuals who are unable to use regular MATBUS routes. Riders can bring groceries or food pantry items if they can carry them independently. Items should fit in your lap or at your feet. Trips can include grocery stores, food pantries, and other essential destinations.

• Learn more or apply for service at matbus.com/paratransit.

Valley Senior Services Transportation
Valley Senior Services provides transportation for older adults in Fargo and across Cass County. Trips may include grocery shopping, food pantry visits, or meal sites. Riders may bring a few grocery bags that they can carry themselves. Scheduling in advance is required.

• Learn more at valleyseniorservices.org
• Phone: 701-356-7433

Handi-Wheels Transportation
Handi-Wheels offers transportation for individuals with disabilities and others who need accessible or specialized rides. Trips can include grocery stores, food pantries, or meal programs. Riders should limit groceries to what they can comfortably carry.

• Learn more at handiwheels.org
• Phone: 701-232-3231.

FM Ride Source Regional Transportation Directory
FM Ride Source is a regional directory that helps individuals find transportation options that fit their needs. It includes public, private, and specialized providers that offer rides for grocery shopping, food access, and appointments throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area.

• View the directory at fargond.gov/live/transportation/fm-ride-source.

Cass County Transportation (North Dakota Department of Transportation)
Cass County Transportation offers rural and regional ride options, including trips to grocery stores, food pantries, and medical appointments. Services may require scheduling several days in advance.

• Learn more or request a ride at veterans.nd.gov/benefits-and-services/transportation/cass-county-transportation
• Phone: 701-683-3131 or 877-857-3743.

MATBUS
MATBUS serves Moorhead, Dilworth, and nearby communities. Routes connect to grocery stores, food shelves, and community centers. Riders can bring groceries on board as long as bags fit on their lap or under their seat. Drivers cannot carry or load items for passengers.

• See routes and schedules at matbus.com/routes.

Transit Alternatives (formerly Clay County Rural Transit)
Transit Alternatives provides shared-ride transportation throughout Clay County. Rides include grocery and food pantry trips, often scheduled weekly from senior housing or community centers. Riders should plan ahead and bring only what they can carry independently.

• Learn more at paiff.org
• Phone: 218-998-3002.

Clay County Rural Volunteer Driver Program
Volunteer drivers help rural residents reach grocery stores, food shelves, and meal programs. Riders should plan ahead and bring only what they can carry independently.
Contact Clay County Social Services for more information:

• 715 11th Street N, Moorhead, MN 56560
• Phone: 218-299-5200

FM Ride Source Regional Transportation Directory
FM Ride Source connects Clay County residents with public and private transportation options for food, appointments, and essential errands. It includes details for cross-county travel and shared-ride services.

• View the directory at fargond.gov/live/transportation/fm-ride-source.

If you need help choosing the right transportation option or locating nearby food programs, call or text 211 or visit myfirstlink.org. Free, 24-hour local support is available to help connect you with food, transportation, and other essential community resources.

Your support helps ensure everyone in our community has access to the food and stability they need. The best way to help is through a financial contribution, which allows local partners to respond quickly and effectively to areas of greatest need. We are highlighting our Verified Impact Partner, Great Plains Food Bank, but we encourage you to support the organization that’s most meaningful to you.

You can choose where to direct your gift below.

Give to the Great Plains Food Bank

A direct gift to the Great Plains Food Bank supports food recovery and distribution efforts across our region. Every $1 donated provides $4 worth of food to neighbors in need.

Financial gifts are the most effective way to help because food banks can purchase exactly what is needed in bulk to meet local demand.

Give to the Great Plains Food Bank

United Way of Cass-Clay

Your gift to United Way of Cass-Clay strengthens the entire food system, from immediate hunger relief to long-term stability for families.

Through partnerships with the Great Plains Food Bank and local meal programs and pantries, your donation helps ensure families have the food and resources they need today while building a stronger future for tomorrow.

Give to United Way of Cass-Clay

A Note to Our Current Donors

If you’ve already given to United Way of Cass-Clay this year, thank you. Your generosity is already making an impact in our local food system — supporting hunger prevention efforts through our partnerships with the Great Plains Food Bank, Dorothy Day Food Pantry, REACH, and Folkways and the network of pantries and meal programs across Cass and Clay Counties.

Your continued support is helping ensure families have the food they need today and the systems in place to thrive tomorrow. We are deeply grateful for you.

Many local organizations are welcoming volunteers to help deliver food, pack boxes, or serve meals.

United Way of Cass-Clay does not coordinate or manage any volunteer opportunities listed below. We are simply helping to connect community members with the organizations leading this important work.

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out directly to the organization to learn more, confirm availability, and sign up.

• Great Plains Food Bank – volunteer as a driver or support mobile food distributions
• Micah’s Mission – serve a community meal
• Dorothy Day Food Pantry – assist with pantry operations
• Emergency Food Pantry – help with sorting and distribution
• Salvation Army – serve a community meal
• West Fargo Eats – support grocery packing, retail rescue, distribution, and client intake
• Valley Senior Services – deliver Meals on Wheels or serve at community dining sites
• A Place For Hope – serve a community meal
• Seeds of Hope – serve a community meal
• YWCA Cass Clay – prepare meals for women and children staying in the Emergency Shelter
• New Life Center – serve a community meal or assist with mobile food distributions

Community food pantries rely on donations of food, hygiene items, and household essentials to help families meet their basic needs. Every contribution, whether it’s one can or one box, makes a difference for a neighbor in need.

Before donating, check with your local food pantry to confirm current needs and drop-off hours. Donations are most helpful when they match what pantries need and arrive ready for quick distribution.

Best Practices for Food Donations

• Choose items that are new, unopened, and within their expiration date.
• Package donations in sturdy boxes or bags that will not tear or tip over.
• Avoid glass containers when possible.
• Label items clearly and group similar products together.
• If donating produce, make sure it is clean and ready for distribution.
• Connect directly with your local pantry or hunger-relief partner to deliver donations where they are needed most.
• You can find a list of food pantries here.

Current and Urgent Needs

Current Needs:

• Rice (1 lb. white or brown)
• Canned tomatoes
• Canned tuna
• Canned beans
• Peanut butter
• Toilet paper
• Bar soap
• Diapers
• Dish soap
• Laundry soap
• Toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash

Urgent Needs:

• Meat (frozen or shelf-stable)
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Cereal
• Canned fruits and vegetables

Accepted Items

• Canned and packaged foods in original, unopened packaging (preferably no glass)
• Fresh garden produce
• Hygiene products in unopened packaging (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
• Clean plastic, paper, or fabric grocery bags for reuse

Items That Cannot Be Accepted

• Open or leaking packages
• Foods that have fallen outside safe temperature guidelines
• Homemade or prepared foods
• Expired products or items with damaged packaging
• Perishable foods that are not properly refrigerated or frozen