MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Moorhead nonprofit A Place For Hope has received a $10,000 gift from Gate City Bank, as it now has to pay a distributor to ship in food used for donations.
The organization says in a press release obtained by Flag Family News the money will jumpstart a $50,000 fundraising campaign “to meet an urgent and growing need for food support across the Fargo-Moorhead area.”
A Place For Hope officials say food costs have increased dramatically including a new $600 delivery fee per shipment.
“We’re deeply grateful to Gate City Bank for stepping up first to help us respond to this growing need,” A Place For Hope Executive Director Darrell Vasvick said. “This gift brings us hope and momentum at a time when our shelves and hearts are both full, but our resources are stretched thinner than ever.”
The nonprofit says money raised will expand operating hours, pay delivery charges and make sure food is available for every person in need.
“This isn’t about panic – it’s about possibility,” A Place For Hope Board Chair Ryan Goellner said. “We have an opportunity to come together as a community to make sure that when more families come to our door, we’re ready to serve them.”
The nonprofit said it served 84 families in one day last week, a number it believes will climb as many people face uncertainty about SNAP benefits because of the federal government shutdown.
In a letter to state health officials obtained by ABC News, Ronald Ward — the acting head of SNAP — said the program that millions of low-income Americans rely on “has funding available for benefits and operations through the month of October.”
The $50,000 campaign will run through the end of the year. To contribute or learn about how you can help, click here or call 701-261-3412.
