One out of every six children in South Dakota is at risk of going hungry. One out of every nine individuals in South Dakota are food insecure.
Forty-three percent of South Dakota’s school-aged children qualify for free or reduced meals. The thought of this alone is astounding. These statistics are more than just numbers, they are people. People that could be your neighbor, friend, co-worker. They live right here in our small-town communities.
The impact of food distributions through programs like the Garretson Food Pantry and Backpack program is truly amazing. Ensuring that food is available for all that are in need. Without questions asked. Without judgement. Because everyone could use a helping hand sometimes and no one should go to bed hungry.
This year, CHS held their yearly Harvest for Hunger Campaign which raises foods and funds for local organizations. Part of this donation goes to Feeding South Dakota which helps distribute food to our local community food pantries.
The other great part of this is that much of the donations that are made by our local farmers, community members and employees goes back to the local organizations within that community.
The more money that is raised at the location, the more that goes back to the community. Kelly Bunde, CHS location manager in Garretson, has always had a passion for this event and continues to bring the most dollars back to Garretson.
With this year’s contributions and the support of our farmers, community members and employees, we were able to give back $9,500 to the Garretson Food Pantry through the Blue Dragon Foundation.
This equates to roughly 3,167 meals on the table, right here in the Garretson community. Providing families that are just struggling a meal on the table.
As we look to Thanksgiving, we are extremely grateful for Kelly, the Garretson community and the surrounding farmers. It is because of their contributions and raffle ticket purchase that we can help place 3,167 meals on the tables. Food on the table during the holiday season. Meals to our neighbors and friends. Meals so that no one in Garretson community has to go hungry.
If you are in need, we encourage you to reach out to the Garretson Food Pantry. Please contact Kris Frerk (605) 594-3901, Judy Ellis (605) 261-1667, or John Brinkman (605) 594-3423.
Update 11/18/22: Kelly Bunde's name was spelled incorrectly.
