Food pantry mobilizes with Great Plains Bank to address SNAP gaps at drive-through event this Wednesday
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
The McKenzie County Food Pantry is set to host its upcoming mobile food distribution event indoors after the McKenzie County Board of Commissioners approved the use of the McKenzie County Public Works Building at their November 4, 2025, meeting.
The indoor venue, secured following a request from Food Pantry representative Mitch Haugeberg, addresses concerns about inclement weather for the high-demand event. The drive-through distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m until supplies are gone, at the Public Works Building in Watford City. Mr. Haugeberg approached the commissioners seeking permission to utilize the county facility, citing a desire to avoid the risks of a 40-mile-per-hour wind, snow, or rain that would accompany an outdoor distribution. The move is intended to ensure a smoother experience for both volunteers and recipients. “I just thought might be nice to be inside,” Haugeberg told the board. “We’ve done mobile handouts... at the old fairgrounds before, and it seemed to work, but this time of year, I’m just worried about inclement weather.”
The event is a collaborative effort with the Great Plains Food Bank, which is attempting to ramp up mobile food distributions across the state in response to the recent government shutdown’s potential impact on SNAP benefits. Haugeberg and the commissioners discussed potential traffic congestion, a common issue for the Food Pantry, which has seen lines of 80 to 90 cars on previous distribution days. A plan was quickly approved to utilize the bays on the north side of the Public Works Building, which currently house the water district. The operation will mimic the successful drive-through method used during COVID-19 vaccination and flu shot drives.
To manage traffic,vehicles will enter the facility from the north side or “backside” of the shop. The system is designed to use two lines of traffic flowing through the bays at one time. Attendees will exit the facility through a manual gate, keeping the flow in a circle and preventing interference with the Public Works Department’s regular operations. County crews will assist by coning off the area and managing traffic flow to ensure a quick and safe process.
The Great Plains Food Bank semi is expected to drop off pallets of food, including an anticipated 200 boxes, starting at 8:45 a.m. Distribution will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and run until noon, or until the supplies are fully distributed. The event is a drive-through food distribution where food is placed directly into the vehicle. Anyone in need is eligible to receive food from the mobile pantry.
The motion to approve the use of the Public Works Building was passed unanimously by the commissioners, with the stipulation that Haugeberg coordinate closely with the appropriate county officials. For information on future events, the McKenzie County Food Pantry advises the public to follow their Facebook page for the most current updates on dates, times, and locations.
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