FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo is serving more people than at any point in its 44-year history — and a looming federal penalty tied to North Dakota’s food stamp error rate could deepen the strain on families already seeking help.
“We have served an all-time high number of people in the history of Great Plains Food Bank — and the demand continues to grow,” said Ann Prifel, CEO of Great Plains Food Bank.
Federal data shows North Dakota had a nearly 10% error rate in SNAP applications in 2025, meaning nearly one in ten households received the wrong benefit amount. Under a new federal law, the state could face up to $12.9 million in annual penalties if it cannot bring that rate below 6% by October 2027.
North Dakota’s 2025 error rate was more than three times higher than neighboring South Dakota’s, according to federal data.
Prifel said Great Plains Food Bank will continue serving the community regardless of what changes may come at the state or federal level.
“We are always here — we’ve been here for 44 years. We will continue to be here to help fill any gaps that we come across,” Prifel said.
The state has until October 2027 to reduce its error rate or begin making payments to the federal government.
Valley News Live reached out to North Dakota Health and Human Services for comment. The agency had not responded as of air time.
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