by Daisy Hutzell-Rodman
In South Dakota, one in eight people go to sleep each night, and wake up each day, unsure of where their next meal is coming from. That number increases to one in six people among those under the age of 18.
To help combat food insecurity, the Aberdeen, S.D., Corps has begun community-specific food distributions and engaging fundraisers.
“The Salvation Army of Aberdeen is working to alleviate hunger through a variety of community-focused programs,” said Major Ramona Arthur, Aberdeen corps officer with her husband Major Joel Arthur.
Because the eastern South Dakota town is home to Northern State University, The Salvation Army of Aberdeen offers food to college students in need. Twice a month, students can stop by a building on campus where the corps sets up a temporary food distribution table. On Wednesdays during the school year, students may stop by the corps where they can pick up food and hygiene items from a dedicated pantry called the College Room.
These programs are supported by Walmart, Feeding South Dakota, local grocery stores, and individual donors.
Feed the Kids is a Salvation Army program that reduces hunger for children in Aberdeen during the summertime. Many parents rely on free or reduced lunches on weekdays through the school system, which are not available in the summer.
Since 2017, The Salvation Army in Aberdeen has created and distributed free sack lunches to children in six parks. Distribution has nearly doubled, and last summer took place in 11 parks.
Also last summer, a campaign titled “Race Against Hunger” raised awareness and funds with the help of a local entertainment venue.
Local partners — Brown County Speedway, Roger Bitz Racing, Ken’s SuperFair Foods, Dacotah Bank, and Quality Quick Print — worked to bring awareness to food insecurity to light.
Roger Bitz Racing placed a Salvation Army red shield on the door of their race car, which was visible throughout the 2024 season at Brown County Speedway. The Speedway itself allowed a Salvation Army canteen to be onsite during the car races, giving the organization an opportunity to collect food donations and provide information about food insecurity.
Dacotah Bank and Quality Quick Print also helped with this fundraiser by providing T-shirts with a “Race Against Hunger” logo. Profits from T-shirt sales supported The Salvation Army’s local food programs.
The event culminated in a back-to-school car show at Ken’s SuperFair Foods. Roger Bitz Racing’s branded car was displayed — with food to be donated covering the car. Prepackaged bags of groceries for donation were sold for $25 each. Over 600 pounds of food were collected during the show.
for the Feed the Kids program
Another initiative has become a beloved community event. The third annual Aberdeen Burger Battle is taking place in April. During this fundraiser, community members can eat, and vote on, their favorite burgers at selected area restaurants.
“The restaurants and community have really embraced it,” said Gail Ochs, CEO of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce. “The committee secures sponsors and restaurants pay a fee to participate. All proceeds after marketing expenses are donated.”
Last year, 16 restaurants participated, with more than 1,100 people voting on burgers; $7,600 was raised.
The winner, County Fair Burger from Pounders Pub & Grill, was comprised of two patties with jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and fried cheese curds on a bun with wild berry jam.
The Salvation Army is grateful for the donations and the added exposure.
“These initiatives are bringing additional awareness to the issue of food insecurity more broadly in eastern South Dakota,” Major Ramona said. “In a community the size of ours, hunger is unacceptable. Let’s be honest, it’s unacceptable everywhere. If we can be a small piece of assisting with feeding our community, we want to do it.”
