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So far in 2024, community health centers in North Dakota have screened 11,580 patients for food insecurity. Through those screenings, more than three thousand box meals have been distributed. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Nutrition takes a seat at the doctor's office in underserved areas

September is Hunger Action Month. In North Dakota, it isn't just food banks trying to help underserved populations get nutritious items. Health …

The North Dakota Farmers Union said more frequent and devastating natural disasters place added pressure on farmers and more robust conservation programs in a new Farm Bill could help make agricultural landscapes more climate resilient. (Adobe Stock)

ND farmers: It's déjà vu as Farm Bill deadline inches closer

Congress is back from recess and lawmakers are hearing from producers about getting a new Farm Bill passed with the latest deadline looming…

Food waste is the biggest source of methane emissions at landfills. (Adobe Stock)

ND hunger-relief orgs play role in reducing carbon emissions

A new report said food banks across the globe are helping to significantly decrease carbon emissions and localized efforts are taking shape in North D…

Researchers said children who live in poverty lose an additional two months of reading skills over the summer, with a lack of proper nutrition serving as a key factor. (Adobe Stock)

ND encourages more signups for kids' summer meal program

Some North Dakota leaders believe healthy food is part of what is needed to help all kids achieve better outcomes and they hope low-income families si…

A new Urban Institute report showed in 2023, adults with very low food security were more likely to experience debt repayment challenges if they turned to things like credit cards to pay for groceries. (Adobe Stock)

For some families, paying with plastic is a lifeline at the grocery store

North Dakota is in the top half of states for average weekly grocery bills and a new national report detailed how consumer debt is bridging the gap fo…

A North Dakota dietitian recommended if you're trying to maintain a healthy nutritional plan, it is important to give yourself grace if not all meals are healthy. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Healthy diet doesn't have to be a lofty, expensive goal

March is National Nutrition Month, and North Dakotans are being reminded of ways to better manage their health through personalized diet plans …

Policy analysts said the Farm Bill is generally a bipartisan issue, but reauthorization can get held up by spending disputes over certain programs, especially the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farming Community Joins Push for Jumpstart on Farm Bill Talks

North Dakota farmers and fellow producers from around the country are in Washington, D.C., this week, calling on Congress to prioritize the soon-to-…

Organizers with the Backpacks for Kids Program in the Bismarck area help ensure kids have access to food when they're away from school during the academic year, so they do not return to class distracted by hunger. (Photo courtesy of Community Action Program)

Starting the School Year Right: Relief Options for Kids in Low Income Settings

The start of a new school year can bring added stress to families, especially those experiencing poverty. In North Dakota, community-level …

Roughly 30 states now allow some form of raw-milk sales, including North Dakota. (Pixabay)

Raw Milk Gets Foot in the Door in ND, But Health Risk Warnings Remain

North Dakota has joined the raw-milk movement. The state now allows limited sales of the product, and officials are urging caution for consumers who …

Beyond sustainable farming, organizers behind a North Dakota community garden for refugees say participants can learn about things like marketing the food they grow and how to start a business, should they want to sell their product. (Adobe Stock)

ND Community Garden Gets Growing for Refugees

As the summer season continues, refugees who have resettled in the Fargo area are watching their vegetables and fruit grow in a new community garden…

Now in its seventh year, AARP's Community Challenge grant program helps local groups address a range of issues, including food insecurity. A small North Dakota town is using the funds to keep its lone grocery store from closing by switching to a

In ND Food Desert, Town Gets Funds for 'Self-Service' Grocery Store

In recent years, North Dakota's smaller towns have seen at least 15% of their grocery stores disappear. That's prompted a flurry of action, including …

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation give North Dakota high marks in some areas when it comes to child well-being, including kids' overall health. (Adobe Stock)

Policy Experts 'Look Under the Hood' for Child Well-Being in ND

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened. States like North Dakota fared better in the overall …

Smaller and mid-sized farms say due to market concentration and supply-chain issues within agriculture have made it much harder to get their foods to various markets, including schools and restaurants within their own regions. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farm Communities See Brighter Path with Food Business Centers

Rural development leaders say getting healthy, locally grown food to underserved areas is a challenge in states like North Dakota. They hope a new …

Operators of rural grocery stores say they often have thin profit margins while facing challenges to provide affordable healthy foods to customers. (Adobe Stock)

Grocery Store Co-ops Could Expand in North Dakota

In northeastern North Dakota, some rural grocery stores have embraced the "co-op" model in trying to stay afloat and address concerns about food …

Supporters of providing no-cost school meals to all students argue that it helps them learn better, reduces stigma, and provides financial relief to working families. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmaker: Still Hope for Expanding School Meals

This week, the North Dakota Senate rejected a plan to expand eligibility for free school meals, but the idea has support from many agencies and …

Expanding School Meal Access Gets Close Look in ND

Nearly 50,000 North Dakota children were served by hunger-relief groups last year. Their advocates hope that compels lawmakers to make sure all …

Nearly 40 farmers markets are spread across North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Growing Power: ND Communities Urged to Embrace Farmers Markets

In the coming months, North Dakotans will be filling baskets at local farmers markets. As vendors prepare this year's produce, communities around the …

North Dakota's only food bank says currently, hunger affects one in six individuals across the state, and one in four children. (Adobe Stock)

Higher Costs, Budget Decisions Prompt More Food Scarcity Concerns

Nearly 9% of North Dakota households do not have enough to eat right now, and the push to expand free meals for students at school appears to have …

Those calling for permanent universal free school meals say research has linked them to better academic outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Supporters of Universal School Meals: Don't Stop Now

This summer, a key initiative to boost school meal access during the pandemic will expire. In North Dakota, those working at the community level say …

In the past decade, schools around the United States have implemented enhanced nutritional standards set forth by the federal government. But there have been various efforts to relax standards for school lunches. (Adobe Stock)

ND Organizers: Keep School Lunches Healthy

First in a two-part series this week on access to healthy school meals. The pandemic has put a spotlight on food insecurity, including access to …

An annual North Dakota program, where hunters donate their haul to food shelves, usually nets about 2,000 pounds of meat. But it saw higher numbers last year. (Adobe Stock)

ND Hunters Could Spell Relief Amid Higher Grocery Bills

FARGO, N.D. -- In its latest Food Price Outlook, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said rising food costs might not level off until next year…

For decades, farmers have called on the USDA to take antitrust action against what they say is anticompetitive behavior in consolidated ag markets. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farmers: Antitrust Work Needs to Result in Votes

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- Voices for North Dakota farmers feel they're only at the halfway point in seeing more fairness within agriculture markets…

An annual well-being report said roughly 15,000 North Dakota children lacked health-care coverage leading up to the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

ND Children's Report Looks Good on Surface, But Concerns Lurk Beneath

FARGO, N.D. -- North Dakota ranks first in the U.S. when it comes to economic stability for children, according to an annual report measuring child …

Advocates for providing free lunches to all students say it's time to remove any stigma associated with meal-assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Hear Plan for No-Cost Lunch for All Students

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota families facing hardships could see some relief from state lawmakers, with a bill that calls on the state to cover …

North Dakota farmers, especially those who grow soybeans, say they've been hammered by trade policy. But the union representing farmers in the state is hopeful Ag Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack will be able to establish a better environment, if approved. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farmer Group Backs Vilsack, Cites Valuable Experience

BISMARK, N.D. - A key agriculture group in North Dakota sounds hopeful about President-elect Joe Biden's choice for agriculture secretary - despite …

Over the past four years, North Dakota hunters have donated more than 7,000 pounds of deer and other wild game meat to food shelves across the state. (Adobe Stock)

ND Hunters Help to Stem Tide of Food Insecurity

FARGO, N.D. -- During the pandemic, many North Dakota families have reported receiving help to avoid going hungry. Those concerns aren't going away…

Research shows seniors who receive SNAP food-assistance benefits are 23% less likely to enter a nursing home than non-participants. (Adobe Stock)

They Might Not Know It, But Poverty Aid Available for ND Seniors

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Low-income, older adults struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic may be unaware of federal benefit programs that could …

In addition to expiring jobless benefits, economists say eviction rates are likely to soar because of the pandemic's ongoing effects. And in North Dakota, state law makes it easier for eviction cases to proceed. (Adobe Stock)

Aid Group: Effects of Hidden Poverty Surface in ND

FARGO, N.D. -- An anti-poverty group in North Dakota says extra federal unemployment benefits have shielded many laid-off workers from seeking …

At the onset of the pandemic, American consumers stocked up on meat products. But there's concern that supplies eventually will be affected by facility closures as more workers become infected. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Don't Panic Yet about Meat Plants Scaling Back

FARGO, N.D. -- The pandemic is forcing some meat-processing plants to close in a handful of states, including the Dakotas, but one expert said it …

The University of North Dakota says dozens of potential applicants already are awaiting its new Ph.D program that focuses on indigenous health issues. (Adobe Stock)

New UND Program to Focus on Health Issues for Indigenous People

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The North Dakota Board of Higher Education has approved a new Ph.D program at the University of North Dakota, where students can …

The group Lunch Aid says $58 million is the potential price tag for universal lunches in North Dakota's K-12 schools. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

Legacy Fund Could Provide Lunches for All ND Kids

Bismarck, N.D. – North Dakota's Legacy Fund has topped $6.3 billion – and one suggestion is that a fraction of that money could provide …

About 9% of North Dakota households experienced food insecurity between 2015 and 2017. (kuarmungadd/Adobe Stock)

Groups Fear More Hunger in ND from Proposed SNAP Change

BISMARCK, N.D. – Anti-hunger groups in North Dakota fear that a proposed change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will lead to …

China has promised to raise soybean tariffs by 5% in September. (United Soybean Board/Flickr)

Tariffs 'Take Top Off Market' for ND Farmers

BISMARCK, N.D. – As trade tensions simmer between the United States and China, farmers in North Dakota and across the country are feeling the …

Net farm income is expected to drop in 2019 for the sixth consecutive year. (Lance Cheung/U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

Incomes Down, ND Farmers Look for More Aid in 2019

BISMARCK, N.D. – Farmers are growing increasingly concerned about mounting losses as the Trump administration's trade wars continue. Farmers' …

SNAP work requirements could mean the program provides 9 billion fewer meals over the next decade. (Bob Nichols/U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Potential SNAP Work Requirements Could Hold Up Farm Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. – Congress may not be able to finish a new farm bill by the end of the month, when the old one expires. One deadlock is a …

More than 70 percent of North Dakota's soybeans are exported. China is their top destination. (United Soybean Board/Flickr)

Trump Approves Aid for Farmers to Help Counter Trade-War Losses

BISMARCK, N.D. - The Trump administration has announced $12 billion in emergency aid for farmers amid an escalating trade war. U.S. Agriculture …

Some North Dakota farmers markets offer tips for how to cook fresh produce. (Lance Cheung/U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

SNAP Matching Program at ND Farmers Markets Supports Local Producers

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota recipients of SNAP benefits have a chance to make those benefits go farther and toward healthy choices this …

Nearly half of SNAP recipients are children. The program is especially important during the summer when school is out. (brandimarkham/Twenty20)

Summer Meal Programs, SNAP Fighting Childhood Hunger in ND

BISMARCK, N.D. — Summertime can mean children have limited access to food. The United States Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service …

North Dakota farmers hope to find predictability in this year's Farm Bill. (Clairegran/Twenty20)

North Dakota Producers Look for Certainty in Farm Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota farmers are watching closely as the 2018 Farm Bill inches its way through Congress. The U.S. House could vote on …

Women farm or co-farm more than 300 million acres across the country. (Robert Couse-Baker/Flickr)

Initiative Aims to Get More Women Landowners Involved in Conservation

BISMARCK, N.D. – Increasingly, women are the landowners of farms, but they often lack access to conservation programs and resources. That's why …

Nearly three in four SNAP participants in North Dakota are families with children. (187025/Pixabay)

Will SNAP Benefits Hit the Chopping Block in Congress?

BISMARK, N.D. – Congress is expected to begin work soon on the $140 billion farm bill, but there are concerns that some conservatives are …

Fruits and vegetables are lower in calories and higher in fiber and vitamins, making them smart choices for holiday meals. (RitaE/Pixabay)

For the Holiday Season, Health Experts Advise Eating Smart

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The holiday season is around the corner, and while that means fun get-togethers with family and friends, it also means hearty …

Beekeepers only saw a 33 percent dip in colony numbers over the last year, a smaller decrease than in years past. (Marisa Lubec/U.S. Geological Survey)

Project in ND Helping Beekeepers Deal with Bee Stressors

BISMARCK, N.D. – A group has chosen North Dakota to demonstrate and collect data on the best practices for managing bees, as the species faces …

North Dakota farmers and ranchers are worried cuts to food stamps could endanger the nutrition title in next year's farm bill. (Samir Luther/Flickr)

SNAP Cuts Could "Shake Alliance" for Next Year's Farm Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. – Farmers and ranchers in North Dakota are speaking out against the Trump administration's proposed cuts to food assistance…

The flagship Founding Farmers restaurant near the White House has been the most requested restaurant for dinner reservations anywhere in the U.S. on the website OpenTable.com for five years running. (Founding Farmers/Flickr)

Farm-to-Table: 1300-Mile Success for ND's Founding Farmers

BISMARCK, N.D. – A number of Washington-area restaurants are serving food from a faraway place: North Dakota's family farms. There are five …

North Dakota health experts warn that, due to a rise in childhood obesity, the next generation could live shorter lives than their parents. (iStockphoto)

Helping North Dakota Tackle Children's Obesity

BISMARCK, N.D. - September is National Childhood Obesity Month, and North Dakota health experts say today's young people could become the first …

North Dakota food growers are being asked to help get a quarter-million pounds of fresh produce to thousands of hungry kids and seniors in the state. (North Dakota Department of Agriculture)

ND Ag Department Asking for Harvest Time Help to Fight Hunger

BISMARCK, N.D. -- For many North Dakota farmers and gardeners, August is harvest time, and the state's Department of Agriculture is asking them to …

Health experts are testing a new healthy eating program at the North Dakota State Capitol this summer. (iStockphoto)

ND Capitol Adopts New Healthy-Eating Program

BISMARCK, N.D. – Health experts in North Dakota this summer are bringing a heart healthy food program to the busy State Capitol. The American …

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ND: Hunger/Food/Nutrition