How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.

Food Assistance in North Dakota

11 verified resources.

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

11 Resources

1. North Dakota SNAP Benefits — Free

Monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card for eligible low-income North Dakota households including single-father families. Apply through your county human service zone office or online through the state DHS portal. Central office hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-2332. Services are free for applicants. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, recent pay stubs, and rent and utility bills.

(701) 328-2332 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. North Dakota WIC Program — Free

Nutrition assistance providing monthly food benefits, formula vouchers, breastfeeding support, and nutrition counseling for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under five in North Dakota. Fathers can bring children to appointments. Reach the state office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-2493 or visit health.nd.gov/wic for a clinic locator. Bring photo ID, proof of address, proof of income, and the children's birth certificates.

(701) 328-2493 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Churches United for the Homeless — Fargo — Free

Daily meals, shelter, and food-pantry assistance for families and single adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Fargo-Moorhead metro. The 1st Avenue S campus serves meals daily and accepts walk-ins at the intake desk. Call (701) 232-6463 for shelter availability. Services are free for those in need. Bring photo ID if available and any medications. Fathers traveling with children are prioritized for family-safe rooms.

(701) 232-6463 · 1901 1st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103 · Daily meal service

4. Feeding America — ND Partners — Free

National network of food banks and pantries with member agencies across North Dakota offering free emergency food boxes and meal programs to families facing food insecurity. Use the locator at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank to find the pantry nearest your ZIP code. Hours vary by site. Most services are free for any family in need. Bring photo ID, proof of address if possible, and a box or reusable bags to carry food.

Multiple locations · Varies · Visit Website

5. ND 211 Food Resources — Free

Free 24/7 helpline connecting North Dakota families with food pantries, hot-meal sites, SNAP application help, and school-meal programs through a statewide resource database. Dial 211 anytime from any phone. Specialists can text or email referrals based on your ZIP code. Useful when facing an empty pantry. Services are free. Have your ZIP code, household size, and any dietary needs ready when you call the helpline.

211 · Statewide service · 24/7

6. Community Food Bank of Grand Forks — Free

Food distribution and emergency food assistance for families across northeast North Dakota including Grand Forks and surrounding rural communities. The Conklin Avenue warehouse is open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Call (701) 775-0671 to confirm distribution days and find a partner pantry near you. Services are free for households in need. Bring photo ID, proof of address if available, and bags or boxes to carry groceries home.

(701) 775-0671 · 600 Conklin Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

7. Minot Community Food Pantry — Free

Emergency food assistance for individuals and families in Minot and northwest North Dakota offered through a volunteer-run pantry with regular distribution days. The 9th Avenue SW location is open Mon-Sat 9am-12pm. Call (701) 838-9000 to confirm current hours. Services are free for households in need; walk-ins are welcome. Bring photo ID, proof of address if possible, and bags or boxes to carry groceries home.

(701) 838-9000 · 400 9th Ave SW, Minot, ND 58701 · Mon-Sat 9am-12pm

8. Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry — Free

Emergency food distribution for families and individuals in the Bismarck-Mandan capital region served through a community pantry partnership with regular weekday hours. The Raymond Street location is open Mon-Fri 9am-12pm. Call (701) 223-4464 to confirm current schedule. Services are free for households in need and walk-ins are welcome. Bring photo ID, proof of address if available, and bags or boxes to carry groceries home.

(701) 223-4464 · 420 Raymond St, Bismarck, ND 58501 · Mon-Fri 9am-12pm

9. ND Commodity Supplemental Food Program — Free

Monthly USDA-funded food boxes for income-eligible adults 60 and older and young children across North Dakota distributed through the Great Plains Food Bank network. The Fargo warehouse is open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. Call (701) 232-6219 to check eligibility and find a distribution site. Services are free for qualifying households. Bring photo ID, proof of age or children's birth certificates, and proof of income when enrolling.

(701) 232-6219 · 1720 3rd Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Second Harvest — ND Distribution Sites — Free

Regional network of food distribution sites and pantries serving North Dakota families through Feeding America partner agencies in urban and rural counties. Use the feedingamerica.org locator to find a nearby partner pantry, mobile food-truck stop, or school food program. Hours vary by site. Services are free for families in need. Bring photo ID, proof of address if available, and bags or boxes to carry groceries home.

Multiple locations statewide · Varies · Visit Website

11. Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance — Free

National Indigenous-led network supporting food security and sovereignty programs in North Dakota tribal communities, including seed sharing, traditional foods, and policy advocacy. Visit nativefoodalliance.org for member directories, grants, and events. Many resources are free to tribal members and partner organizations. Fathers can also find community gardens and language-rooted nutrition programs. Have your tribal affiliation ready when you inquire.

Tribal communities statewide · Varies · Visit Website

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?: Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?: Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?: Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?: USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.