News and Events

November 18, 2025 – Sioux Falls, SD: To surge support to food banks strained by higher costs and increasing demand, Midco announced $40,000 in foundation grants to nonprofits leading the fight against hunger. 

The $10,000 Midco Foundation grant recipients include: 

• Dream Center Bismarck 
• Grand Forks Salvation Army 
• Westonka Community Food Shelf 
• Kids Against Hunger Sioux Falls 

“Food banks across the Midwest are experiencing serious strain amid rising costs and an increased need for their critical services,” said Midco President and Chief Operating Officer Ben Dold. “Today, Midco is honored to support their outreach and tell their story of hope across our footprint.”  

“During this season of giving and gratitude, we wanted to express our deep appreciation for the staff, volunteers and donors who keep these food banks running,” said Midco Senior Community Relations Manager and Foundation Executive Director Rhonda Erickson. “Their daily acts of kindness and generosity keep many of our community members, including children and the elderly, fed and healthy. We’re so honored to help them with these grants and hope others will join us in recognizing them for their humble heroism.” 

Dream Center Bismarck 

The team at Dream Center Bismarck serves 500 to 800 meals daily and provides groceries for up to 1,000 households per week  

“We serve every day because people are hungry every day,” said Executive Director Jim Barnhardt. 

Their requests for food support have increased by 20% in the last several weeks. They operate without government funding, and 100% of the money donated stays at Dream Center Bismarck. Their biggest needs include cereal, diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6) and cash donations for food. 

Learn more about Dream Center Bismarck.  

Grand Forks Salvation Army 

“We are deeply grateful to the Midco Foundation for their generous support,” said Auxiliary Captain Eugene Ware, Salvation Army Corps Officer. “This grant will help the Grand Forks Salvation Army continue to meet urgent needs in our community, such as emergency assistance for those facing food insecurity, and offer hope to our neighbors when they need it most.” 

Each month, the Grand Forks Salvation Army team serves between 450 and 500 individuals through their food pantry and social services. In recent weeks, they’ve experienced a 40% increase in food pantry demand, highlighting the vital importance of community support in these challenging times. 

Their upcoming events include: 

• Community Meal: Join them on November 21 for a community meal open to all. This event exemplifies their mission of being the "Light in the Darkness" for the city of Grand Forks by fostering fellowship and support. 
• Big Ring Day at Northdale Oil: On December 12, companies and community members are invited to participate in a special day where donations can range from $0.10 to $0.50 per gallon of fuel. They’re aiming to raise $60,000 in a single day, and every $20 donation can be matched to become $100 through corporate and community support. 
• Volunteer Opportunities: Their team is always looking for volunteers to ring bells, assist at the thrift store and support core programs.  

Learn more about the Grand Forks Salvation Army. 

Westonka Community Food Shelf 

The Westonka Community Food Shelf serves individuals and families in need within Mound, Minnetrista, Navarre, Minnetonka Beach, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius, Tonka Bay, Maple Plain, Independence and parts of Orono. Every dollar donated goes directly toward purchasing food. Their strong partnerships with local food banks significantly amplify contributions, transforming every dollar donated into an impressive $9 worth of groceries.  

They are on track to distribute over 2 million pounds of food this year, which is their highest amount. For comparison, they distributed 1.5 million pounds of food in 2024. Since January 1, they have enrolled 1,200 new families to receive their services. 

They are regularly in need of cooking oil, flour, kids’ snacks, cereals, canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, laundry soap and feminine hygiene products. They also need shopping bags for patrons which can be dropped off at their office. 

Learn more about the Westonka Community Food Shelf. 

Kids Against Hunger Sioux Falls 

Dedicated to significantly reducing the number of hungry children in South Dakota and throughout the world, Kids Against Hunger Sioux Falls is run completely by volunteers. 

They are currently scheduling packing events Tuesdays, Wednesdays, every second Saturday of the month or by appointment. They require a minimum of 10 packers to host a packing event, but their packing center has the capacity to hold 80 packers, and you can be scheduled with another group.  

Learn more about Kids Against Hunger Sioux Falls. 

To learn more about Midco’s force for good ethos, visit Midco.com/Foundation.