A Black Hills food pantry pictured in November of 2025.
Last Updated Nov. 6, 2025
The Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) has activated the Black Hills Food Response Fund to help local nonprofits respond to the rising need for food assistance amid federal SNAP disruptions and the continued federal government shutdown.
Donations to the response fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 by the Sustaining Black Hills Nonprofits Fund, a partnership between BHACF, the John T. Vucurevich Foundation and the Bush Foundation. Half of the funding raised will support Feeding South Dakota’s Black Hills programs, and half will support local nonprofit food resources.
This emergency fund is a direct response to requests from Black Hills nonprofit leaders, who are seeing a marked increase in the demand for food as families navigate uncertainty from the federal shutdown. All 19,976 SNAP recipients, including more than 8,500 children, in the Black Hills area are expected to see a disruption to their benefits this November.
“The Black Hills has a long history of stepping up for our neighbors when it matters most and now is one of those times. Let’s be clear, nonprofits can’t completely replace lapses in SNAP funding, but with the community’s support, we can help nonprofits meet this hopefully short-term surge in demand for food.”
chris huber, president & ceo of black hills area community foundation
Since late October, BHACF staff members have been actively supporting and coordinating with Feeding South Dakota and other local food services across the region. Many food pantries have reported serving families they’ve never encountered before or running out of food more quickly than usual. Others are preparing for demand to increase later in November. Feeding South Dakota is seeing an uptick in demand and providing increased food through all of their Black Hills programs.
“At a time when so many families are facing uncertainty, this support helps ensure that food reaches those who need it most—both through our work and through the smaller community partners standing on the frontlines of hunger. This gift is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together to care for our neighbors,” said Lori Dykstra, CEO of Feeding South Dakota.
In addition to Feeding South Dakota’s Black Hills services, at least one food pantry in each Black Hills county is providing essential food assistance to local families in November. Families looking for charitable food resources can dial 211 or text their zip code to 898211.
How to Donate
Online: Community members can donate to the Black Hills Food Response Fund online.
Mail a Check: donors can mail a check to BHACF, 243 Founders Park Drive Suite 102, Rapid City, SD 57701 with BHACF / Food Response in the payee line.
Direct a DAF Gift: Fundholders can donate directly to the Food Response Fund through their Donor Advised Fund (DAF) by sending an email to barb@bhacf.org with your contribution amount.
Donors are welcome to call 605-718-0112 to learn how the Fund is meeting the needs in their community.
How to Request Support for Your Nonprofit
Black Hills nonprofits serving Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Custer, Oglala Lakota, and Fall River counties can request a meeting with BHACF staff to discuss their food service needs at: bit.ly/blackhillsfoodservices.