Feeding South Dakota, the state’s largest hunger‑relief nonprofit, is continuing its holiday tradition by providing free Thanksgiving meal kits to families facing food insecurity across South Dakota. The organization announced a partnership with 58 community groups to stage large‑scale, drive‑through distributions on Saturday, November 21.

Two statewide sites serve families in need

In Rapid City, volunteers will set up at the Central States Fairgrounds on San Francisco Street from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Mountain Time. In Sioux Falls, the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds on North Lyon Boulevard will host a similar distribution from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Central Time. Each site is prepared to serve up to 1,500 families on a first‑come, first‑served basis while supplies last.

No paperwork, no ID – just a helping hand

To remove barriers, Feeding South Dakota does not require pre‑registration, sign‑up forms, or identification. An adult 18 or older must be present in the vehicle, and each car may receive a maximum of two meal kits.

Matching donations double the impact

The campaign is bolstered by a dollar‑for‑dollar matching challenge sponsored by the Greg and Pam Sands Foundation, running from November 2 through November 27. Donor Greg Sands explained that the match ensures every contribution is effectively doubled, allowing the organization to reach communities in every corner of the state.

How the funds support year‑round relief

Matched gifts help fund food distributions throughout all 66 South Dakota counties, not just the Thanksgiving event. The organization encourages additional support at feedingsouthdakota.org or by calling 211 for more information.

Community leaders emphasize the holiday need

“During the holidays we often see more neighbors turn to us for help,” said Lori Dykstra, CEO of Feeding South Dakota. “These meals are more than food; they’re an opportunity to spend time together celebrating traditions and making memories.” Dykstra added that the expanded November schedule provides essential relief when household budgets are stretched thin.

By partnering with local churches, schools, and civic groups, Feeding South Dakota aims to ensure that no family has to go without a Thanksgiving dinner. The organization’s volunteers and donors embody the spirit of service that strengthens families and neighborhoods across the state.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.