Medium
Survey respondents reported a number of concerning trends in their communities since March 13. The top four concerning situations include: increased mental health struggles, people losing their job and not knowing where to turn, increased food insecurity and hunger, and decreased social cohesion.
- 44% of respondents reported they have seen an increase in food insecurity or hunger in their community. The Great Plains Food Bank has been tracking hunger in North Dakota throughout the course of the Coronavirus pandemic and also reports drastic increases in food insecurity statewide. There are ways that North Dakotan’s can help:
- Individuals can donate directly to the Great Plains Food Bank, who supports the network of over 200 local food pantries in the state.
- Individuals can also contribute to the North Dakota Community Foundation COVID-19 community and nonprofit response grant fund: https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources/get-involved-how-you-can-help
- Finally, anyone can hold a virtual food drive through social media. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1104307289952502/
These trends, and other takeaways from the survey, will inform programming that the Department of Commerce implements through the Main Street Initiative, including at the 2020 Main Street Summit, through regional Main Street convenings, and other resources.
