Customer Support Center, North Dakota Health and Human Services
Apply for SNAP online in the Self Service Portal, on paper, or at your local human service zone office.
Official page: hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/snap
No cost Food Help in North Dakota: SNAP, WIC and Food Banks
How to find food today in North Dakota, apply for SNAP, sign up for WIC, get school and summer meals, food for seniors, and reach Great Plains Food Bank pantries.
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Hi friend. If money for food is tight, there is real help in North Dakota. Find a pantry or meal site for food today, then line up SNAP and WIC so next month is easier.
Quick answers
How do I apply for SNAP in North Dakota?
Apply online in the Self Service Portal at dhsbenefits.dhs.nd.gov. You can also print the application and bring it to the Customer Support Center or your local human service zone office, or ask for one by mail. Customer Support Center: 866 614 6005 or 701 328 1000. A Great Plains Food Bank SNAP Outreach Coordinator can help you fill it out at 855 405 0000.
Official page: hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/snap
Who can get WIC and how do I sign up?
WIC serves pregnant women, moms of babies under 1, new moms from the past 6 months, and children under 5. Dads, grandparents and other caregivers can apply for a child. If you get Medicaid, TANF or SNAP, you meet the income rule. Sign up in person at a WIC clinic. Call 800 472 2286 or go to signupwic.com to book. The first visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Official page: hhs.nd.gov/health/prevention/wic/how-do-i-apply-wic
Can my kids get free or reduced price meals?
Yes, if your family qualifies. Households complete the Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals. Students who are directly certified don't need one. Starting July 1, 2026, schools must offer a way to apply online. Over the summer, the Summer Food Service Program gives free meals to kids and teens in low income areas. For questions, call the state Department of Public Instruction at 701 328 2260.
Official page: nd.gov/dpi/districtsschools/child-nutrition-and-food-distribution/school-nutrition-program
Where can I find a food pantry or free meal?
Great Plains Food Bank lists food pantries by county, plus shelters and soup kitchens, with addresses, phone numbers and hours. Hours can change, so call ahead. Examples listed: Heaven's Helpers Soup Cafe in Bismarck, 701 751 7687, and Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks, 701 772 6600 ext 206. The food bank also runs a Mobile Food Pantry for rural communities.
Official page: greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help/pantries-and-soup-kitchens
I'm 60 or older. Is there food help for me?
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program serves low income people at least 60 years old. The state page doesn't list income limits or steps, so call the Department of Public Instruction at 701 328 2260. Great Plains Food Bank also lists a Senior Food Pack Program.
Official page: nd.gov/dpi/districtsschools/child-nutrition-and-food-distribution/commodity-supplemental-food-program
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Bunkly tip: pantry hours change. Great Plains Food Bank says to call ahead before you go, so you don't waste a trip in cold weather.
Who to call in North Dakota
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
North Dakota WIC Program
Healthy food and nutrition help for families who qualify. Enroll in person at a WIC clinic after you book.
Official page: hhs.nd.gov/health/prevention/wic/how-do-i-apply-wic
Great Plains Food Bank, Statewide Distribution Center
Pantry listings by county, and SNAP application help. Located at 1720 3rd Ave N, Fargo.
Official page: greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help
Great Plains Food Bank, Regional Distribution Center
Pantry listings and a Bismarck Mandan resource guide. Located at 1315 South 20th Street, Bismarck.
Official page: greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help
Heaven's Helpers Soup Cafe
Listed by Great Plains Food Bank as a soup kitchen and meal site in Bismarck. Call for meal times.
Official page: greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help/pantries-and-soup-kitchens
Northlands Rescue Mission
Community meals and food boxes at 420 Division Avenue, Grand Forks.
Official page: northlandsrescuemission.org/help
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Food package program for low income people at least 60 years old, run by the state Department of Public Instruction.
Official page: nd.gov/dpi/districtsschools/child-nutrition-and-food-distribution/commodity-supplemental-food-program
More help in North Dakota
Housing help in North Dakota (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in North Dakota: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Medicaid and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in North Dakota: Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck and How to Get HelpNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in North DakotaJobs and Job Training Help in North Dakota: Job Service, WIOA and Free CoursesHealth and Mental Health Help in North Dakota: Medicaid, 988 and ClinicsDomestic Violence Safety and Housing Help in North DakotaVeterans Help in North Dakota: Housing, Crisis Support and BenefitsYouth and Young Adults Help in North Dakota: Runaway, Housing and JobsGetting ID and Documents Back in North Dakota: State ID and Birth CertificateFree and Low Cost Phone and Internet Help in North Dakota: Lifeline and Text LinesFree Legal and Tenant Help in North Dakota: Eviction, Deposits and Legal AidHow to Make Blessing Bags in North Dakota: Food, Cold Weather and Heat Tips
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.