Need Food? You Can Get Help

This is a trying time for communities everywhere, and that's a true statement for Bismarck-Mandan. As I was shopping for groceries and other essentials this past weekend, I was one of the many who encountered barren shelves at multiple stores. I've never seen this (to this extent) in my home state.

While I am fortunate enough to have what I need, I realize there are people who are struggling right now. Thankfully, there are others who also understand that we need to pull together as a community and help our neighbors out. You can check out some places offering free or discounted food here:

Bismarck Public Schools
- Monday - Friday from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Free meals provided for ANY child between one and 18
- TO-GO bags with lunch and breakfast for the next morning will be provided
- GO TO ANY OF THESE SCHOOLS FOR FOOD:
  - BECEP at Richholt
  - Grimsrud
  - Moses
  - Myhre
  - Will-Moore
  - Wachter Middle School
  - Bismarck High
  - Century High
  - South Central High
  - Cenex Station roundabout in Lincoln
River Of Hope Food Pantry
- Open on Saturday, March 21st at 10:00 AM
Bisman Community Coronavirus Caravan
- This is a new Facebook group that popped up on Friday the 13th. It was created to "help bring people together so we can help our Bismarck Mandan community through the Coronavirus."
- The mission of the people in the page is to help those who are vulnerable right now. The page says that members are willing to grocery shop, find cleaning supplies, get medication, and run errands for those who need to stay safe at home.
- You can easily join this page, here.
Heaven's Helpers Soup Cafe
- The soup cafe hours have been changed from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri), and 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Sat)
- 3/20 and 3/21 hours are for TO-GO orders ONLY
- Starting 3/23, the Soup Cafe will be moving to delivery.
- Get more information (including volunteer info) here.
Trinity Lutheran Church
- You can get a meal on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, and Saturdays at 11:30 AM, and Sundays (at the Salvation Army) at 12:00 PM.
- Since health is a current concern, take-out is being offered through April 11.
- ***See information about The Banquet Bismarck and Adopt-A-Block below. These organizations work together***
The Banquet Bismarck/ Adopt-A-Block
- The Banquet Bismarck always offers meal services on Tuesdays, Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Saturdays 11:30 AM -12:30 PM, and Sundays 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. However, until further notice, to-go boxes will be handed out on these days.
- Adopt-A-Block provides groceries every week at South Central High School from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM. They also make a stop at Jeannette Myhre Elementary School Wednesdays from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM.
- Get more details about the Banquet Bismarck here.
Laughing Sun Brewing
- This week, you can get a free kid's meal on Wednesday-Sunday from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM with the purchase of an adult meal.
- As of now, after this week, free kids' meals will be given with the purchase of an adult meal.
Grand Junction
- All this week, from March 17 - March 22, kids, grades K-12 can get a free kid's meal.
- This is available for dine-in, to-go, and express (no deliveries). The kids must be present for the free meal.
- Get more details here.
Pizza Ranch
- All this week, until March 20th, at the Bismarck and Mandan locations, you can order a free single-topping medium pizza with the purchase of any medium pizza.
- This offer is available for both pick-up and delivery.
Perkins
- This isn't new, but it is still good to know - get a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entree Monday - Friday.

We will keep you updated on any new Coronavirus news. Stay strong, Bismarck-Mandan friends. Even though people can be selfish in these times, there are still those who are passionate about giving back to their neighbors in the community. If you can help, please do. If you need help, don't be afraid to seek it out.