Fighting Hunger In South Dakota

Six million older Americans are at risk of hunger, and each day millions face the impossible choice between buying food or the medicines they need. According to the Meals on Wheels Association of America, Nearly 4 percent (3.90%) of South Dakotans age 60-90 are at risk of going hungry. In an effort to fight hunger among older South Dakotans, AARP South Dakota volunteers have been supporting the new Feeding South Dakota Food Bank in Pierre by packing thousands of food boxes for needy seniors.

To offset the cost of transporting the boxes to South Dakota seniors in need, AARP South Dakota donated $4,000.00 to the Feeding South Dakota Food Bank in Pierre.

“It is truly heart breaking to hear stories of seniors having to choose between life-saving medications, and putting groceries on the table. Feeding South Dakota is doing tremendous work to fill the needs of seniors in central South Dakota, including those in Native American communities,” said AARP South Dakota volunteer state president Patrick Gross. “Over the last several months, our volunteers have been tirelessly supporting these efforts with their time and talent. This donation is aimed at stretching their contributions even further.”

Gross continued, “We know that many recipients of these senior food boxes are from Native American communities. It was important to AARP South Dakota to reach out to diverse populations to help fill such a critical need.”

The Feeding South Dakota Food Bank in Pierre serves 70 agencies in 24 counties in central South Dakota. Thirty of those agencies serve Native American tribes in some way. Each month more 1400 food boxes for seniors are distributed through the Feeding South Dakota Food Bank in Pierre, with more than half delivered in predominantly Native American communities.

Find more information on helping the hungry get food assistance they deserve.

Find more information on Feeding South Dakota.

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