Nonprofits in Sioux Falls receive food donations for Thanksgiving

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - For hundreds of people in Sioux Falls and across South Dakota, a traditional Thanksgiving meal is not always guaranteed, which is why several nonprofits and businesses are teaming up to make sure everyone has a seat at the table this holiday.

For the 18th year, The East Dakota Chapter of The National Wild Turkey Federation donated 70 turkeys to The Banquet in preparation for the nonprofit’s Thanksgiving meal.

“For so many of them, they wouldn’t have Thanksgiving otherwise, and a lot of our guests will get dressed up for the holiday to come have their meal,” said Tamera Jerke-Liesinger, the executive director of The Banquet. “Just to come and be not only fed physically, but have the volunteers here to share the meal with them. It feeds them spiritually as well.”

Prairie Farms and Hyvee also donated 3,600 gallons of milk to Feeding South Dakota from their Great American Milk Drive, which comes from customers directly buying extra milk for those in need.

“Dairy products, milk specifically, is the highest requested but least donated item into food banks,” said John Cooper, general manager at Prairie Farms. “Really, what we’re providing is 13 essential vitamins and nutrients for consumers.”

These donations are especially meaningful since times have been difficult for people and families who rely on federal assistance programs.

“Just in the first two weeks of November, we have served 1,500 more families across the state through our mobile food distribution program,” said Stacy Andernacht, the VP of Public Relations for Feeding South Dakota. “There’s definitely a need and we expect to see that need continue for certain through the end of November and, we believe, through December.”

If you’d like to help, The Banquet just started prepping their Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday and is always happy to take more volunteers. Feeding South Dakota will have plenty of volunteer opportunities in December as well.