Dakota Credit Unions “Border Battle” Tackles Hunger

​DakCU partners with ND Great Plains Food Bank and Feeding SD in a friendly competition to restock local food pantries with a bonus “kicker” for the winner of the championship football game! 

WHO: All Dakota Credit Unions.
 
WHAT: A “border battle” friendly food drive competition between North and South Dakota credit unions to collect the most food items and cash donations to “restock” food pantries in both states in partnership with the Great Plains Food Bank (ND) and Feeding South Dakota.
 
WHY: The timing of this is critical! According to the food provider organizations, there is a huge need right now in the Dakotas for both food and money to support individuals and families who are experiencing hardships. We will maximize publicity by using the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) final game between the NDSU Bison and the SDSU Jackrabbits to help build excitement and engagement on this campaign. This is a rare opportunity when both states’ NCAA FCS universities are in the championship game!
 
WHEN: The campaign begins Wednesday, December 21 and runs through Friday, January 6.
 
To stay abreast of progress in each state as the contest proceeds, we are asking participating credit unions to track their cash donations and food items by estimated pounds – and report both to Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) the running TOTAL collected by 4 p.m. local time each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by emailing to Paige Langhoff, Membership & Office Coordinator.  Updates of food drive progress/standings will be posted periodically on DakCU social media – Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter; this is why regular updates are needed.
 
WHERE: In certain areas, donated items and cash will be collected by Great Plains Food Bank (ND) and Feeding South Dakota (SD) to be distributed through their channels to food pantries. Alternately, credit unions may deliver their items directly to their local food pantries at the end of the campaign. In SD – pickup is available in Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Rapid City between January 9 – 13. (We are still waiting to confirm pick-up locations and dates for ND.)
 
HOW: We are asking ALL Dakota credit unions to back this, and to mobilize quickly to get staff and members involved. This campaign ultimately benefits Dakotans in need and will bring attention to local credit unions and the “people helping people” philosophy. DakCU will be promoting via social media, and through press releases during and after the “Border Battle.” Please amplify the “Border Battle” by sharing on your own social media channels and with your media contacts. 
 
DakCU has flyers available for credit unions to display at collection points to help promote this campaign.
Click here to download a printable version! 
Click here to download Facebook graphic. 
For general questions regarding the "Border Battle," please contact Lindsey Hefta, Director of Marketing. 
 
On January 6, 2023, by 4:00 p.m. local time, participating credit unions should report their estimated FINAL TOTAL of pounds of food collected and cash donations to Paige Langhoff. If final numbers are NOT reported DakCU will use the most recent numbers provided by the credit union. Announcement of the winner of the “Border Battle” will be made on social media by noon on Saturday, January 7.
 
WINNERS RECEIVE:
Following a formula (provided by Feeding South Dakota and Great Plains Food Bank) for both cash and food items donated that equates to “meals provided,” DakCU will track and calculate the final results.
 
The “most meals provided” per state will be the “winner” of our “Border Battle.”
Each $1 donation = 3 meals. Each 1.2 pounds of foods donated = 1 meal.
 
The Dakota Credit Union Foundation will donate $1,500 to the state food pantry that contributes the MOST MEALS.
 
The Dakota Credit Union Foundation will also donate $1,500 to the state food pantry that WINS the FCS final game.
 
Dakota credit unions have a long history of stepping up whenever and wherever we are needed. Let’s have some fun with this friendly competition and restock Dakota food pantries during this critical time!