The federal shutdown will impact benefits which North Dakota families rely on, like food.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will not reload November 1st. To better understand the scope of impact, over 56,000 North Dakotans have received benefits between Oct 1 – Oct 28 of this year. That’s 1 in 16 people.
Learn more about SNAP usage in North Dakota.
Do you need help replacing benefits like SNAP?
Or, search for other programs and benefits near you with the First Link Emergency Services Search.
Want to talk with someone?
Call 211 to help find the resource you’re looking for. Or, find your local human service zone to speak with professionals who can help find the right services and supports.
If you have question about financial help programs offered through North Dakota Health and Human Services, contact the Customer Support Center. Note: If you are signed up for the Self-Service Portal (SSP) you can submit documents online.
Contact Customer Support at:
Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
Phone: 1-866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000; 711 (TTY)
Fax: 701-328-1006
Mail: Customer Support Center P.O. Box 5562 Bismarck ND 5850
Parents of school children are encouraged to speak with their local public school to find out what help can be provided. Senior Centers can also provide insights into applicable programs and support the application process. You can also consider following your local faith-based organizations such as churches, many of whom often host volunteer-driven feeding efforts.
Resources and Programs to Explore
Food Programs
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
Serves qualifying infants, children up to age 5, and pregnant, nursing and post-partum women
Women and children who participate in SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and Head Start qualify for WIC services (Otherwise WIC verifies income)
Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, access to nutritious foods and referrals to local community services and programs meeting unique family needs
Link: WIC clinic locations and how to apply
Partner food pantries: Great Plains Food Bank
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 products to clients. The amount of food provided and the frequency in which you can get assistance vary by location.
Link: Map of partnering food pantries
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry provides foods directly from trucks to communities across North Dakota, based on a posted schedule.
Little Free Pantries
Little Free Pantries are small wooden boxes throughout our communities that are stocked with food or other basic needs by community members. Review the website for location details.
Faith-based Food Banks, Pantries, Soup Kitchens
Link: List of food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens
Senior Nutrition Program
Individuals 60+ years old are eligible for the senior nutrition program. Eligibility is based on age and there are no income requirements. There are 137 sites across the State that provide congregate meals, and home delivered meals.
Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Link (ADRL) - 1-855-462-5465 for assistance.
Link: Senior Nutrition Program
Commodity Supplement Food Program
If one of the members of your household is 60 years or older and you qualify based on your household income, you may be eligible for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Click on the link to access the Commodity Supplemental Food Program Application. Once completed, email to mdanderson@nd.gov. Your application will be reviewed and sent to one of our local agencies in Fargo, Devils Lake, Bismarck, Dickinson, or Williston for further processing.
Link: Commodity Supplement Food Program
Link: Commodity Supplemental Food Program Application
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides USDA Foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations and to Native American households residing in designated areas near reservations or in Oklahoma.
Note: This program is an alternative to SNAP, and households cannot participate in FDPIR and SNAP during the same month.
Link: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
The Emergency Food Assistance Programs
The TEFAP program is offered through local food pantries and soup kitchens. At the food pantry/soup kitchen, you will be asked to complete an intake form before receiving food assistance. No income verification is required, and income eligibility is self-declaration. We recommend contacting the pantry before your visit to determine their days/hours of operation.
Other Assistance
Contact the NDHHS Customer Support Center
Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
Phone: 1-866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000; 711 (TTY)
Fax: 701-328-1006
Mail: Customer Support Center P.O. Box 5562 Bismarck ND 5850
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
TANF provides Temporary cash assistance and job placement services. Applicants must meet income and eligibility guidelines. North Dakotans can apply anytime via the Self-Service portal or at their local human service zone office.
Link: TANF Self-Service Portal
CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program)
CCAP provides help with the cost of child care. Applicants must meet income and eligibility guidelines. North Dakotans can apply anytime via the Self-Service portal or at their local human service zone office.
Link: CCAP Self-Service Portal
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP provides heating, cooling and weatherization assistance. Applicants must meet income and eligibility guidelines. North Dakotans can apply anytime via the Self-Service portal or at their local human service zone office.
Link: LIHEAP Self-Service Portal
Crossroads Program
The Crossroads Program supports parents up to age 21 by helping pay a portion of their child care and transportation costs so they can continue their education. Must meet income and eligibility guidelines. North Dakotans can apply anytime via the Self-Service portal or at their local human service zone office.
Want to help?
Partner food pantries: Great Plains Food Bank
If you'd like to donate to a partnering food bank or the Mobile Food Pantry, here are the guidelines for doing so.
Link: Where and what to donate, accepted products, and monetary donations
Little Free Pantries
Review little free pantry location sites and consider donating! You can also add your pantry to the map.
Faith-based Food Banks, Pantries, and Soup Kitchens
You can find a food service near you on this page and contact them to inquire about donations.
Link: North Dakota Food Banks, Pantries, and Soup Kitchens
Produce Donation Sites
This map hosted by the ND Department of Agriculture lists drop-off sites for produce donations. Please confirm the availability of the site before dropping off produce. Let them know it's for the Hunger Free ND Garden Project.
Resources for Well-Being
Mental Health Crisis Line
Text or Call 9-8-8
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available any time via call, text, or chat.
FirstLink
2-1-1 or (701) 235-7335
Provides information online or by phone about helpful community resources and provides information and referrals for essential needs like food, housing and shelter for people experiencing homelessness, help with utilities, transportation, and more.
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources
- Find Behavioral Health Services
- Find HHS Regional Human Service Centers (Behavioral Health Clinics)
- North Dakota Mental Health Program Directory
- Recovery Talk (701) 291-7901
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program
701-328-0707
The CISM Program is available 24/7 and provides free and confidential mental health and support services to all levels of first responders that are affected by the impacts of stress and emotions after dealing with emergency situations or crises.
Visit the HHS Website to Learn More
NDSU Extension
NDSU Extension offers educational publications on managing or coping from the impacts and stress of disaster events.
- FS2092 - Helping the Helpers in Times of Crisis or Natural Disaster (educational publication)
- FS2093 - Dealing with Stress After a Crisis or Natural Disaster (educational publication)
- FS1953 - Helping Your Child Cope After a Natural Disaster (educational publication)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the pause in SNAP impact free and reduced meals?
The pause in SNAP benefits does not affect free or reduced meal status at school. Students who have been eligible for meal benefits at school will continue to receive meals at no cost.
See all SNAP FAQs with Health and Human Services
If you would like to hear a recorded FAQ about SNAP, call 701-328-7826.