The North Dakota House Appropriations Committee has approved House Bill 1143, which allocates $5 million for a food distribution facility grant program aimed at enhancing statewide charitable food logistics. This funding, drawn from the strategic investment improvements fund, is designated for site acquisition, construction, and related costs for a new facility to be operated by the Great Plains Food Bank.

The bill, which passed with a 7-5-2 vote after an amendment reduced the initial request from $10 million, is expected to significantly improve food distribution across North Dakota. The Great Plains Food Bank currently serves over 156,000 residents annually, with 36% being children. The new facility will address the limitations of their existing site, which is located on a former landfill and lacks the capacity for expansion.

The Great Plains Food Bank has already secured approximately $3.8 million through private contributions and grants, and plans to sell their current facility for an estimated $2.5 million. They are also pursuing new market tax credits, which could yield an additional $4.5 million. However, they still need to raise about $19.6 million to fully fund the new facility, which is projected to cost around $30.5 million.

Committee members emphasized the importance of this project, noting its potential to benefit every county in the state. The new facility will improve logistics and distribution efficiency, particularly as most food supplies come from out of state. The bill now moves forward for further consideration by the full legislature, with advocates highlighting its critical role in addressing food insecurity in North Dakota.