SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) - Director of Marketing and Development for the Banquet in downtown Sioux Falls, Madeline Shields, says this time of year brings out volunteers by the thousands. There is never a concern for help between Thanksgiving and Christmas. She's grateful, but also says the need for volunteers and assistance continues in January and beyond.
"When we really need help is breakfasts in January, February and March," Shields said. "Once the holidays are done, it's really kind of a struggle to get some of those meals filled."
The Banquet serves 13 meals per week, so they're in need of 13 different volunteer groups each week as well. In 2016, over 196,000 meals were served, and they're on pace to do that again this year. Shields said it's not uncommon for the Banquet to serve up to 1,000 meals per day. Breakfast and dinner are provided Monday - Friday, with lunch on Saturday. The program also serves two dinners per week at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in the Nordstrom / Johnson building.
Shields says that the majority of the community that takes advantage of the free meals at the Banquet are not homeless, instead many are families who don't qualify for any government assistance because they make too much money. After the bills are paid, there's nothing left for food.
"These are people who are hard working. They are trying to make ends meet. They're paying their electric bill. They're trying to keep up on their rent. They may have an unforseen medical bill or car repair. In the end, there's nothing left for food," Shields said. "The one thing they're always going to go without, is food. That's why the Banquet is such a blessing, because these folks don't have another choice."
She also says the Banquet never turns anyone away.
"We believe that food is a basic human right, and it's no questions asked," she said. "Anyone who wants to come eat at the Banquet, is welcome at the Banquet.
The Banquet has a user-friendly website (www.thebanquetsf.org) where groups can register to help. Click on "Serve A Meal" and a calendar with all available dates where help is needed appears.