The Arc, Upper Valley

11/07/2025

https://www.hhs.nd.gov/news/some-north-dakotans-receive-partial-november-snap-benefit-early-nov-7

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that in accordance with federal court orders related to the 2025 federal government shutdown, some North Dakotans can expect to receive a partial November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit on as early as Nov. 7.

11/07/2025

❗Alert ❗
Starting TODAY, November 6 through December 31, ALL CAT rides—including fixed-route, Senior Transit, AND Paratransit—are 100% FREE for anyone traveling to or from a local food pantry.

📍 Tell your driver you’re headed to/from a pantry
🗓️ Free rides good now through Dec 31, 2025

Let’s take care of each other—that’s what is all about.

11/05/2025

Protect students with disabilities and IDEA, find food resources in our community, learn how to become a member of our organization, and more, when you read this weeks Inclusion Connection!

Inclusion starts with connection! Read. Share. Subscribe.

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

Food banks that are a part of this network, are broken down by county.
https://greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help/partner-food-pantries/?fbclid=IwdGRzaANw_TRjbGNrA3D9L2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeBoArX6RVqk89SZEBafp5zLgfxUAYH5UtXx2HyVfw07b5IRm3XINmtbSxtIk_aem_csqzgUldqN41zqYAZhnUxQ

A food pantry is a place for individuals or families to get food assistance in times when they are unable to afford food. Food pantries can offer both shelf stable and perishable food product to clients. The amount of food provided and the frequency in which you can get assistance vary by location...

10/31/2025

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, many SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients may not receive their benefits on Saturday. We know this disruption creates real challenges for individuals and families who depend on these essential supports.

This week’s Inclusion Connection newsletter shares practical information, local resources, and community supports to help you navigate this difficult time and ensure everyone has access to food and essential needs.

Stay informed and connected — we are in this together.

Inclusion starts with connection! Read. Share. Subscribe.

10/31/2025

Our community is confronted with numerous challenges in November, but collectively, we can make a meaningful difference for women, infants, children, and our local food bank. As a community, it is essential that we come together and support one another in times of need, just as we have successfully navigated previous hardships, and we can overcome this one collectively. Let's establish a goal together if you can donate to Northlands Rescue Mission St. Joseph's Social Care - St. Joe's Thrift Store Grand Forks Salvation Army HOPE Church and the food bank at Freedom Church. Consider the Seniors, families and disabled community when donating. Acknowledge your contribution.

10/30/2025

🍎Free & Reduced-Price School Meals Will Continue Despite Possible SNAP Funding Pause

North Dakota students who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals will continue receiving them for the remainder of the school year, even if federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are paused due to the ongoing government shutdown.

While SNAP, commonly known as “food stamps”, helps low-income families buy groceries, school meal programs are funded and administered separately by NDDPI on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

NDDPI also administers several other food programs available to North Dakotans:
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) – Offered through local food pantries and soup kitchens.
- The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) – Available for low-income households with at least one member age 60 or older.
- The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) – Provides USDA foods to eligible Native households.

Melissa Anderson, NDDPI’s assistant director of child nutrition and food distribution, noted that if SNAP funds are paused, these programs may see increased demand as more families seek local assistance.

Read more -> https://www.nd.gov/dpi/news/baesler-snap-money-halt-wont-affect-school-meals

10/30/2025

10/27/2025

EMAIL CONGRESS AND URGE THEM TO PROTECT FOOD ASSISTANCE!

Email your officials by following this link: https://action.thearc.org/Uw7hIhY?p2asource=email-2025-1027

Food isn’t optional; it’s survival. For millions of people, including people with disabilities, food assistance means the difference between a full pantry and an empty one.

But unless Congress acts immediately, food benefits could stop as soon as November 1.

Families are already stretched thin, and soon they could face impossible choices between food, medicine, rent, and heat.

Here’s what’s at stake:

Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are lifelines for families, older adults, and people with disabilities.

• SNAP feeds about 42 million people, including 4 million people with disabilities.
• WIC supports nearly 7 million women, infants, and young children.

Even short disruptions in food assistance can harm a child’s nutrition and development and leave families without stability. Without these programs, millions could face hunger.

Congress has the power to prevent this crisis. Send a message now urging them to take action today to protect food assistance programs before it’s too late.

No one should go hungry, especially when solutions are within reach.

Source: The Arc of the United States

Families could lose SNAP & WIC benefits by Nov 1 if immediate action is not taken. Tell Congress to act now because food is NOT optional. []