Tribal nations in North Dakota expand food support amid SNAP disruption

The Spirit Lake Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation have launched food assistance efforts to help families affected by the pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, according to KXNET.

Spirit Lake Nation began distributing food vouchers Nov. 10 through its Food Distribution Program and Benson County SNAP Office. The start was delayed about an hour due to technical issues, with distribution beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eligible participants must bring identification and enrollment verification.

A similar program was started by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, which is providing grocery cards to supplement food budgets for those impacted by the SNAP interruption.

In New Town, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation is partnering with Great Plains Food Bank for a two-day food drive beginning Nov. 13. Organizers plan to distribute 40,000 pounds of food, prioritizing SNAP-dependent families who present EBT cards. Remaining supplies will be available to other families on Nov. 14 at 975 New Town Drive.