Nov. 7, 2025

Editor’s note: This story is an update from one originally published Nov. 3.

More grocery stores are stepping up as an estimated 35,000 South Dakota households are receiving limited and potentially delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits because of the federal government shutdown.

Hy-Vee has extended its $3 hot meals and free kids meals through Nov. 14. The initial five-day effort began Monday with every store that has hot food service providing $3 meals and a free kids meal to those 12 and younger from 4 to 7 p.m. The meals are served for dine in or to go.

A weekend breakfast meal also has been added and will be served from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Hy-Vee is selling food donation bags of $5 or $10 to help fill local food banks and has made a donation to Feeding America as well as a new DoorDash initiative to waive delivery and service fees for customers who receive food assistance benefits. This week, the grocer also launched a register round-up campaign.

Fareway Stores Inc. launched a monthlong initiative to generate donations.

Customers can purchase pre-bagged, wholesome, SNAP-eligible food items at any Fareway location. These bags will be distributed directly to local food banks or pantries near each store. Shoppers also may choose to donate individual food items of their choice or make a monetary contribution at checkout.

Fareway is matching all monetary contributions in value throughout November.

“At Fareway, our ‘Lead with Love’ mission is more than a motto — it’s a movement,” CEO Reynolds Cramer said in a statement. “We’re deeply grateful to our customers who join us in supporting those who need it most. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”

At Sunshine Foods in downtown Sioux Falls, the store is selling food donation bags for $10 and will match each one sold. It also started a register round-up campaign that will run through Jan. 1 to help Feeding South Dakota and other local food banks.

Sioux Falls Food Co+op is matching $10 and $20 donations that customers can make at the register through Dec. 2. The co-op will use the money to buy nonperishable Field Day brand items at cost and then donate the food to Feeding South Dakota.

The Helpline Center is urging people to call 24 hours a day for help connecting with local resources.

“No one should have to go hungry,” said Amy Carter, chief operating officer. “Whether you’ve never needed help before or you’re unsure of where to start, 211 is here to guide you to the resources you need.”

By dialing 211 or visiting helplinecenter.org/2-1-1, South Dakotans can access a wide range of resources, including food pantries, meal programs and emergency assistance in addition to information on other basic needs such as transportation and rent assistance.