Dear Friends,
It’s hard to believe that 2021 is already in the rearview mirror and that 2022 is in full swing. As I look back on the year that was, I am humbled and incredibly proud of the strides we made together toward ending hunger today, tomorrow and for good.
2021 wasn’t the ‘return to normal’ that we were hoping for. Instead, it proved to be another hard year for those we have the honor to serve. Thousands of our neighbors who have never needed food assistance before turned to the Great Plains Food Bank and our network of feeding programs for help. As supply chain and transportation issues wreaked havoc across the country, we were left with empty shelves as donated food plummeted. Staying vigilant to our mission meant we had to adapt, pivot and innovate to ensure our neighbors didn’t go hungry. And thanks to the incredible outpouring of community support and donations, we began purchasing food to stock our warehouse and keep food on families’ tables.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is not over, and we are still in the trenches of heightened need this winter. Too many seniors will face the tough decision of choosing between paying for food or medication, and parents find themselves skipping another meal just so their children can eat. It is a harsh reality for so many, but I remain hopeful and optimistic that once again you will step in and help us put food on the tables of those in need tonight.
We can’t do this work alone and thanks to all of you, we didn’t have to. On behalf of all of us at the Great Plains Food Bank, thank you for joining us as we work tirelessly to end hunger across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota. As I look ahead to 2022, I appreciate knowing that we can count on you and your support as we move closer to ending hunger today, tomorrow and for good. Thank you!
Your partner in hunger relief,
Melissa Sobolik
Chief Executive Officer
