WATFORD CITY, N.D. - In our region, some grocery stores and charities are teaming up to reduce the amount of wasted food.
Local food pantry volunteers in Watford City partner with supermarkets and gas stations to do what they can to serve hungry families with good food that would otherwise be thrown out.
Serving as many as 90 people a week in the summer, and 55 a week during the winter, this food distribution project has made a growing impact on people who appreciate the financial relief it provides.
Since January of 2014, volunteers have been going to various grocery stores and gas stations around Watford City every week to collect the almost-expired, but still good food stores cannot sell. They hold a food distribution event every Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, where people who have just moved to the area can reach out to a group of people they can rely on.
"When they first come here, they don't have money. So that's where we step in and can help them out," said Kay O'Connor, head volunteer of the food pantry.
They also welcome people who have lived in Watford City longer to come regularly.
"If you come to the food pantry, it's a no questions asked. If you are there we know you need food and you will get it," explained O’Connor.
"It's not like, 'oh, she's here again,' you know, they're always smiling and helping you," said Patience Mulubeh.
The pantry has around 50 volunteers who say that it is just as rewarding for them.
"It always gives you a good feeling to know that when people come through, you know they're going to have at least some meals, a few good meals and not worry about having enough for their families to eat," said Donna Maston, volunteer.
This weekly food pantry goes from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursdays, and the main food pantry happens on the first and third Tuesday of every month.
The food pantry in Watford City also has a backpack program for children, a senior citizens project, and for people recently relocating to work in the oilfield, they provide emergency food and toiletry kits.
