Resources and Support for South Dakotans Facing Food Insecurity

As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older adults—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.

You Are Not Alone
If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available. Whether you need groceries, home-delivered meals, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to support you. You deserve dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.

Check Your EBT Balance
Unused SNAP benefits from previous months may still be available. Benefits usually stay on your card for up to 12 months. Visit your state’s EBT portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your balance.

Many food banks and pantries offer services tailored to older individuals, including home delivery and dietary-sensitive options:

In South Dakota:

• Feeding South Dakota: providing food assistance across the state.
  
  • Visit the website to find food resources near you. 
  • Call 605-335-0364 for information.
• Helpline Center (211): The Helpline Center connects South Dakotans to a wide range of resources and support programs. You can access help anywhere in the state simply by calling 211.  You can also:
  
  • Text your Zip Code to 898211
  • Email help@helplinecenter.org
  • Search for resources near you on the Helpline Center’s 211 Resource Page.
• SD Department of Social Services Community Assistance Program:  The South Dakota Community Assistance Program consists of Community Action Programs that provide services to low-income South Dakotans. Services vary by agency and may include weatherization, community transportation, food pantries and emergency services. Four Community Action Programs are located throughout the state. Visit the website to see the counties each of these program serves.
  
  • Western South Dakota Community Action Agency – Rapid City: 605-348-1460 or 800-327-1703
  • Grow SD – Sisseton. 605-698-7654 or 800-245-3895
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action – Madison. 605-256-6518
  • Rural Office of Community Services, Inc. – Wagner. 605-384-3883 or 800-793-3290
• Department of Health Women, Infants & Children (WIC): South Dakota WIC helps families be strong, healthy, and happy by providing health promoting benefits, support services, and referrals.
  
  • Find a local office by visiting the website or call 605-773-3361 or 800-738-2301
• Charlie’s Cupboard – Available on the University of South Dakota Campuses in Vermillion and Sioux Falls. Charlie’s Cupboard is dedicated to addressing food insecurity and improving the lives of students at the University of South Dakota by providing food and personal care products.
  
• Clay County Community Connection Center. The Community Connection Center (“CCC”) is a one-stop-shop that addresses the needs of community members by coordinating the efforts of local organizations. 605-658-0118
  
• Codington Connects – Watertown. This is a collaboration across agencies, families, and individuals for the purpose to identify and improve social services that meet the needs of Codington County residents. Visit the website for information about services, or call 605-882-6286.
  
• The Community Outreach – Sioux Falls. This nonprofit focuses on housing, utilities, work-related transportation, information, referrals and mentoring. Visit the website for information about programs for call 605-331-3935.
  
• Rapid City Food Resources
  
  • Black Hills Community Outreach.  Access to crisis intervention, emergency resources and case management support for those living in poverty. In addition, community outreach operates a food pantry with both cooking and non-cooking menu items available for participants experiencing food insecurity. 605-341-8336 
  • Salvation Army of the Black Hills. Provides a food pantry on weekday afternoons. Call 605-791-4045 for food pantry information. People can also sign up now for Christmas food baskets. Thanksgiving baskets are available for residents in the Northern Black Hills. For more information on these baskets, call 605-342-0982.
• Sioux Falls Food Resources
  
  • The Banquet: Nonprofit offering 16 meals each week at two Sioux Falls locations. Visit the website or call 605-335-7066 for more information.
  • Faith Temple Food Giveaway: Fridays in Sioux Falls from 4-6 p.m. at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Visit the website or call 605-605-1225 for information.
  • Meals on Wheels – administered by Active Generations. Meals are delivered Monday–Friday between 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for individuals aged 60+ who are homebound. A suggested donation of $5.25 per meal is appreciated. If you are under the age of 60, you must contact Dakota at Home for eligibility. Call 1-833-663-9673 or visit: Dakota at Home Referral Form.
  • Salvation Army. Provides an emergency food pantry, senior food commodity boxes and some meal service. Visit the website or call 605-332-2331 for information.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (SNAP loss often strains budgets for essentials like heat and housing)
• Local Churches and Faith Based Organizations – Check local listings

Nationwide resources:

• Feeding America Food Bank Locator - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
• Hunger Free America - https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org
• Food Finder Interactive Map - https://foodfinder.us/
• WhyHunger Find Food Database - https://whyhunger.org/find-food
• Meals on Wheels America: Delivers nutritious meals directly to homes. Find a provider - https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
• Little Food Pantries - https://www.thelittlefreepantries.org/
• Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These agencies often coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and other support services. Find your local AAA - https://eldercare.acl.gov/home

National Hotlines for Immediate Help

• National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
• WhyHunger Hotline: Call 1-800-5-HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479
• Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect with local food programs.