The Dakotas | Minnesota Methodist Foundations recently awarded Food Security Grants to eight church-led ministries helping children and families access food across the Dakotas and Minnesota. Made possible through donor generosity, the grants support congregations working with school and community partners to respond to food insecurity.

From weekend food bags to summer lunches, these ministries help fill the gaps when school meals are not available. Some congregations are beginning new partnerships, while others are strengthening longstanding programs. All are finding practical ways to care for neighbors.

Riverview UMC youth and adults turn food donations into weekend support for local students through the Heartland Backpack Program.

“It’s hard to think about children leaving school on Friday without enough food for the weekend. But that is a need our churches are responding to in their own communities,” said Sheri Meister, President/CEO of the Dakotas | Minnesota Methodist Foundations. “They know the schools, they know their neighbors, and they’re showing up to help. These grants put more resources behind that work. As we look toward Christmas, we want to help them keep going.”

The following ministries received Food Security Grants:

Riverview United Methodist Church, Huron, South Dakota — Heartland Backpack Program

Riverview UMC will strengthen its support of the Heartland Backpack Program, which provides weekend food bags to nearly 600 students each week. Congregation members contribute food, financial gifts and volunteer time, including middle and high school groups that help pack bags. Combined with congregational fundraising, the grant will help the church work toward supporting 40 students for an entire school year.

Asbury United Methodist Church, Duluth, Minnesota — Food Support for Students and Families

Asbury UMC is building on its partnership with Laura MacArthur Elementary School, where volunteers help distribute weekly food bags to 75 to 80 students. With school funding uncertain, the grant will help the congregation respond to continuing needs. Depending on available funding, support may sustain food bags, establish an emergency food shelf or provide healthy and gluten-free snacks.

Alexandria and Ethan United Methodist Churches, South Dakota — Snack Pack Program

Alexandria and Ethan United Methodist Churches are developing a Snack Pack Program in partnership with the Hanson School District to provide food during weekends and school breaks. At Alexandria UMC, across the street from the school, students will select easy-to-prepare entrées, breakfast items, fruit and snacks. School staff and the Hanson County Food Pantry will help the ministry respond to local needs while protecting students’ privacy.

Sauk Centre UMC members of all generations help pack weekend food bags for local elementary students.

Sauk Centre United Methodist Church, Minnesota — Weekend Food Bags

Sauk Centre UMC will continue its partnership with Sauk Centre Elementary School to provide weekend food bags for students experiencing food insecurity. Each week during the school year, participating students receive nine shelf-stable, child-friendly food items. School staff identify students needing support while keeping their identities confidential. The grant will help sustain this weekly ministry.

Legacy United Methodist Church, Bismarck, North Dakota — Food Support Through Community Partnerships

Legacy UMC will strengthen food ministries through school and community partnerships. Plans include Wednesday evening meals for Horizon Middle School students, ongoing snacks for 60 students experiencing homelessness or living in low-income households at Elk Ridge Elementary, and support for home food deliveries coordinated by Bismarck Global Neighbors for immigrant and refugee households.

Pierre First United Methodist Church, South Dakota — Weekend and Holiday Food Support

Pierre First UMC will expand its longstanding support of Governor’s Groceries at the local middle and high schools and the Pierre Area Referral Service Backpack Program. Plans include 14 holiday meals for families, regular food purchases for Governor’s Groceries and additional food for weekend backpacks, helping students and families when school meals are unavailable.

Sturgis United Methodist Church, South Dakota — Summer Meals Program

Sturgis UMC volunteers work together to keep meals available when school is out for the summer.

Sturgis UMC will continue providing free Wednesday sack lunches during nine weeks of summer, filling a gap left when the school district discontinued its summer meal program. Each week, volunteers prepare and distribute approximately 60 to 100 lunches. Partnerships with the school district, Grocery Mart, and the Sturgis Public Library help bring meals to accessible community locations.

Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church, Minnesota — Laker Cupboard Partnership

Detroit Lakes UMC is developing a partnership with Laker Cupboard at Detroit Lakes Public Schools to provide nutritious, shelf-stable food for students. The congregation will coordinate collections, purchases and regular deliveries based on needs identified by school staff. Staff will distribute food discreetly to support students during weekends, school breaks and other gaps in school meals.

Together, these ministries show how donor generosity and local partnerships help congregations put faith into action and extend Christ’s love through practical care.

Next month, the Foundations’ Christmas appeal will invite donors to build on this momentum and strengthen these ministries. Donors and churches interested in making a partnership gift or providing a matching gift are invited to contact Alisha Vincent, Vice President, at Alisha.Vincent@DkMnMF.org or 612-230-3338.