North Dakota steps up to help with food during shutdown

Photo: North Dakota Department of Transportation

With the federal government shutdown now spanning a month, SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) will be interrupted. Rather than complaining or wringing hands about it, as seems common around the nation and in the news, North Dakotans are simply stepping up to the plate to help those who may need food assistance during this time.

In addition to the typical strong, ongoing support of North Dakotans for food banks, food pantries, and other such charitable efforts, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced today that $1.5 million in state funds are being set aside to help. A portion of it will also supplement shortfalls in the WIC (women, infants and children) program.

This mirrors another such effort we recently wrote about, when the state Industrial Commission authorized a low-interest loan program for federal employees in North Dakota who may miss a paycheck as a result of the shutdown.

Both efforts exemplify North Dakota’s “can-do” spirit. Whether it’s sensible programs geared to meet real needs, particularly in times of crisis, charitable organizations pitching in to help, or neighbors simply helping neighbors, it’s nothing new in this state.

North Dakotans also understand that, in a healthy, free society, such programs and efforts should be geared toward meeting needs when they’re the greatest, not building a society of dependency. A helping hand — not a handout — has been the state’s tradition.

While many may not even notice when the federal government shuts down, some impacts will be keenly felt by federal employees and those dependent upon federal programs. 

That’s when it’s time for North Dakotans to help…and that’s just what’s happening.