Despite rising food costs, Feeding South Dakota will distribute 6,000 family Thanksgiving meals this year.
On Nov. 18, the organization is handing out 1,500 meals in both Rapid City and Sioux Falls. No registration, qualifications, or sign-up is needed.
Sioux Falls meal pickup will be at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Rapid City meal supplies will be at the Central States Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Remaining meals will be given to organization partners to distribute in other communities.
Organizers say the cost of groceries rose by five dollars per meal this year, but they remain committed to providing the same number of meals.
“The impact of sustained increased cost for groceries and other household expenses have impacted so many families this year,” CEO Lori Dykstra shared. “We want to ensure a Thanksgiving meal isn't something these families need to worry about.”
To support these family meals, the Greg and Pam Sands Foundation has pledged a $30,000 matching gift for donations made to Feeding SD through Nov. 23.
To donate, visit feedingsouthdakota.org.