Food Security
for a resilient region.
Growing food and nutritional security in the Black Hills.
Collaborating to Prevent Hunger
We prevent hunger to strengthen the stability, health and resilience of Black Hills residents.
For now, our work is focused on Rapid City. We lead a collaborative group, the Friends of Food Security, to identify and address unmet needs.
From nonprofit workers to healthcare employees, our collective combines strengths to support our neighbors.
Free summer meals for kids
rapid city schedule 2024
During the summer break, several Rapid City organizations offer free meals for children. At most sites, adult guardians can enjoy a meal as well.
Find a meal location near you by using the schedule below. Or, call 211 for updated information.
Needs Assessment started
This spring, we launched the Food Security Needs Assessment of Rapid City. Led by Augustana Research Institute, the study learns from those facing food insecurity and the nonprofits that serve them.
The study will reveal unmet needs focused on:
- Food quantity
- Food type
- Transportation
- Awareness of resources
- Ability to maximize assistance
Stay tuned — the published results will kick off a strategic plan for our Food Security Initiative.
We’ll present key findings at a Food Security Summit in 2025.
Ongoing food security projects
Friends of Food Security
Every other month, we partner with Feeding South Dakota to facilitate a meeting focused on food security needs in Rapid City. Group members range from nonprofit workers to government and healthcare employees.
To help each other, members share resources, opportunities, and challenges. Starting in 2025, the members will collaborate around goals informed by the Needs Assessment of Rapid City.
Summer Meals FOR Kids & GUARDIANS
Rapid City nonprofits offer free meals to children ages 18 and under to give them a reliable source of nutrition over the summer break.
At many of these sites, we fund adult meals so that guardians can eat with their children. This improves child participation and creates quality family time.
See the 2024 meal schedule below, or call 211 for updated information.
Invest in food security
Give to the Food Security Initiative to connect healthy food with people who need it. Our collaborative group, Friends of Food Security, identifies needs and develops solutions for Rapid City residents.
When we prevent hunger, we strengthen resilience.
Stay informed on food security and other initiatives.
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter to learn the latest news and updates from the Black Hills Area Community Foundation.
Let’s create a thriving Black Hills together.
Have questions? Connect with Nicole.
Nicole Schlabach, Operations and Communications Specialist, leads our Food Security Initiative. She’s happy to answer questions and share opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
