The Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) has announced its 7th Annual Donation

Station Challenge Grant to benefit local food pantries. Area organizations are invited to utilize the Donation Station in the coming months to collect items and stock area food pantries for a chance to win additional grant dollars for one of the eligible local food pantries.

Participating organizations are asked to set a goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of food or more during a single collection drive for a designated food pantry. If the organization’s collection of 1,000 pounds is successful, the designated food pantry will receive a $1,000 grant from Minot Area Community Foundation’s Arnold I. Besserud Fund.

“The continued pressure of higher grocery prices has put an additional strain on all consumers, including our local food pantries who are seemingly doing more with less. By awarding $1,000 for 1,000 pounds or more collected, we hope to offset some of the inflationary impacts those organizations are experiencing,” said Jason Zimmerman, president of MACF.

Last year, 10 organizations participated in the challenge, collecting 11,919 pounds of food that resulted in $8,000 granted back to area food pantries.

This year’s challenge grant will again run from Sept. 1-Dec. 31 but kicks off early with a

Souris Valley United Way food drive for school food pantries on Thursday, Aug. 22.

Organizations must use the Donation Station to be eligible for additional grant dollars. The Donation Station is a pull-behind trailer that is housed at the Minot Area Community Foundation.

Local food pantries must be approved by MACF staff, and rural communities wanting to participate will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.