Credit Union Gives $200,000, Boosts Statewide Food Bank Project

First Community Credit Union announced a $200,000 donation to the Great Plains Food Bank to support construction of the organization s new statewide distribution center in Fargo. The gift accelerates fundraising for a project that aims to centralize distribution and improve the food bank s capacity to serve communities across North Dakota, officials said in the announcement.

The new facility is scheduled to break ground in spring 2026 and open in fall 2027. Great Plains Food Bank leadership has described the center as a strategic investment in logistics and resilience, and First Community Credit Union framed its support as part of a broader commitment to strengthening communities across the state. While the donation is one piece of a larger funding picture, it represents a significant corporate philanthropic contribution from a Jamestown based financial institution.

For residents of Stutsman County the Fargo distribution center could mean faster deliveries, more variety in donated food and greater stability in emergency responses. Centralized warehousing often reduces per unit transportation costs and allows food banks to manage inventory more efficiently, which can translate into more consistent supplies for partner pantries and meal programs in smaller communities. Local organizations that rely on Great Plains Food Bank for bulk supplies should expect changes in routing and scheduling as the new facility becomes operational.

The donation also has short term economic effects. Construction activity tied to the project will generate regional demand for labor and materials during the build period. Once operational, the facility will require staff for warehousing, logistics and distribution which can create new employment opportunities in the Fargo area and support ancillary services that benefit the regional economy. For local funders and civic leaders in Stutsman County the pledge highlights the role that community based financial institutions can play in addressing food insecurity while leveraging private dollars to unlock larger projects.

Policy implications include potential shifts in how state and local emergency food systems are coordinated. A larger, modern distribution hub can enhance the ability of emergency responders and nonprofit partners to scale up during crises. It may also influence future public and private investment decisions by demonstrating the leverage effect of philanthropic gifts on infrastructure projects.

First Community Credit Union s $200,000 gift moves the project forward at a crucial stage and signals local institutional support for statewide food security efforts. With groundbreaking now set for 2026, the coming months will focus on continued fundraising, planning and coordination between the food bank and its network of local partners.