Family sitting down at the table eating

Advocate

We want to do all we can to prevent further reduction in food and ensure that all South Dakotans can thrive.

Food insecurity is a nonpartisan issue that transcends political parties and exists in all congressional districts across the U.S. It will take all of us coming together—people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, communities, partners and donors—to end hunger.

State Advocacy: 2026 Legislative Session

House Bill 1147 appropriates $5 million from the state’s general fund to the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources for the purpose of awarding a single grant to a South Dakota–based nonprofit organization to purchase food and distribute it across the state. Of the total appropriation, $1.5 million would be designated specifically for purchasing food from South Dakota producers.
 

Food pantries and hunger relief programs throughout the state have been serving a steady increase of families, children, and seniors over the past several years. At the same time, Feeding South Dakota's donated food inventory has been decreasing causing a shift in budget from long-term sustainability solutions to short-term food needs. 

The one-time funding provided through House Bill 1147 would support food purchases that keep dollars with South Dakota producers, help local programs provide food to people who need it right now, and allow Feeding South Dakota to refocus on building sustainable solutions for the future.

Help us move this bill forward by contacting our legislators and letting them know why supporting House Bill 1147 is important to you, your community, and the fight to end hunger in South Dakota. Your voice matters! 
 

Status of HB 1147

Every South Dakota address belongs to a legislative district that has elected House and Senate members. To find your district, use the "Find My Legislators" interactive map to search by address.

In the top right corner of the map, ensure visibility for prior effective districts is crossed off and that right below it says "Current Districts".

In the box to the left of the magnifying glass, begin typing your address. Select the correct address that displays as you type, and press enter.

The map will zoom into your district and a list of your legislators will appear. You can click on each legislator's name to access their profile which has their contact information. 

If you know your legislative district, but not who your elected legislators are visit the South Dakota Legislative Research Council provides an online list. Click on your district and you will be redirected to your district on the "Find My Legislators" interactive map. 

A list of your elected legislators will be displayed. You can click on each legislator's name to access their profile which has their contact information. 

A list of 2026 House Members and Senate Members is available online. The list is in alphabetical order and provides an email address. 

To find a phone number, click the interactive "view profile" and you will be redirected to a page of information specific to that legislator.

To mail a letter to legislators in Pierre:

Senator/Representative (Last Name)
South Dakota State Capitol
500 E Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
 

Federal Advocacy

Federal nutrition programs matter to families who need help putting food on the table, kids who only get regular meals at school, and food banks that receive food. They are only as strong as the support they receive on Capitol Hill, and we invite you to raise your voice and help us bring an end to hunger.

Our Priorities:

(Updated 9.30.25)

Urge lawmakers to fully fund The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) storage and distribution grants, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These programs are funded through the annual agriculture appropriations bill, which means their budgets are debated by Congress every year. 

(Updated 9.30.25)

The Farm Bill

The farm bill governs many nutrition and agriculture programs, and it is up for renewal. This legislation allocates funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Together these programs help to bridge the food gap for millions of families and individuals facing hunger across the country. Feeding South Dakota supports the following priorities in a farm bill:

  • Increase TEFAP funding to support the US agriculture economy and help food banks be ready to serve
  • Reauthorize and streamline CSFP to help seniors facing hunger

  • Ensure SNAP's purchasing power remains strong to support local economies and provide support to families

     

  • Communication Templates:
    Farm Bill Priorities

 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

TEFAP moves food from farms to food banks to individuals and families facing hunger. The USDA's decision in April, 2025 to permanently discontinue Commodity Credit Corporation funded foods through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) resulted in an immediate cancellation of food scheduled for delivery to Feeding South Dakota - a 1.5 million pound annual impact to our food inventory. 

 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Budget reconciliation legislation that was signed into law in July, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), contains the biggest cuts to SNAP in the history of the program. We do not yet have a complete picture of how the new law will impact the communities we serve, but we are preparing for an increase in need as South Dakotans transition off of the program. 

In September, Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) drafted the “Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025.” This farm bill marker bill would repeal the SNAP cuts. 

Contact our members of Congress and urge them to support this legislation. Reversing these cuts will protect South Dakota families and others who are struggling against hunger. 

Send a Letter

Outline the importance of food access by sending a USPS letter to Leader Thune, Senator Rounds, and Congressman Johnson. Letters should be sent to their Washington, D.C. office address and copies can be sent to their South Dakota offices. Use one of our templates, or write your own, and share why you want food insecurity to matter to them.

Senator John Thune

Senator Mike Rounds

Congressman Dusty Johnson

Email Our Delegation

An email will get your message delivered quickly! Typically received by staff members, emails get your message across in a timely manner and are more likely to receive a response. Email messages are submitted on each member's website and ask for a variety of information from you. Use one of our letter templates for your message or write your own. 

Senator John Thune

Senator Mike Rounds

Congressman Dusty Johnson

Call Congress

Although answered by staff, a call creates an official record and is the most effective way to influence policy. Be sure to identify yourself as a constituent, use your own words to deliver a personalized message, and clearly state what action you would like the representative to take. Leave a voicemail message if your call isn't answered so that your feedback is logged.

Senator John Thune, Washington D.C. Office: (866) 850-3855

Senator Mike Rounds, Washington D.C. Office: (844) 875-5268

Congressman Dusty Johnson, Washington D.C. Office: (855) 225-2801

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