(KIWA Staff Photo)Northwest Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Midwest Food Bank is planning a permanent distribution center in Sioux Falls, aiming to strengthen food assistance across northwest Iowa, South Dakota, and southwest Minnesota.
The planned Tri-State Division builds on nearly two years of monthly distributions in Sioux Falls, with volunteers transporting food from the organization’s Peoria, Illinois facility. Midwest Food Bank currently partners with about 20 nonprofit agencies across the region.
Chief Resource Officer Kristen Patty identified five current northwest Iowa partners:
- West Bend Pantry
- Hawarden Pantry
- George — Bread of Life Pantry
- Lake Park — Dickinson County Hunger Coalition
- Inwood — Manna Market
Patty says the organization is still evaluating sites and building its timeline.
The Sioux Falls location would become Midwest Food Bank’s 11th U.S. distribution facility.
Building on Existing Regional Partnerships
Patty says relationships developed through monthly distributions — and feedback from partner agencies — helped drive the decision to establish a permanent presence. Reaching rural communities is a priority.
Midwest Food Bank supplies food to nonprofit partners at no cost, allowing local agencies to devote more of their resources to people in their own communities.
The Tri-State Division will focus on South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota. Patty says agencies’ ability to pick up food in Sioux Falls will help determine how broadly the operation can serve the region.
Monthly distributions will continue while the organization works toward securing a facility, and Midwest Food Bank is considering ways to expand service during the planning process.
Volunteers and Community Support Needed
Founded in Illinois in 2003, Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based nonprofit that relies heavily on volunteers to procure and distribute food.
Patty says volunteer involvement helps stretch financial contributions.
Volunteer roles range from bookkeeping to helping distribute food. As the Tri-State Division develops, the organization will seek help from individuals, churches, businesses, and community groups.
In-kind donations will also support the expansion. Patty says an advisory board is already helping as Midwest Food Bank builds its regional operation and seeks additional nonprofit partners.
Northwest Iowa agencies interested in partnering — and individuals interested in volunteering or donating — can learn more at midwestfoodbank.org.
