50 Faces of Feeding South Dakota

Greg Sands opens up about his journey from personal hardship to becoming a successful business owner committed to giving back. He shares how a partnership with Feeding South Dakota began through the annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway and why building a culture of generosity has become central to his business. As Greg looks toward the future, he reflects on the impact of service, community, and the lasting legacy of helping neighbors in need.

To honor Feeding South Dakota’s 50 years of service, Lance Smith and Barry Sackett organized a 50K run that brought the running community together to help end hunger. Inspired by Kwik Star locations, the event grew into a partnership that proves when creativity meets community, the impact can be extraordinary.

Casey’s District Manager Jana McKay joins us to explore how a simple question at checkout — “Would you like to round up?” — has transformed into thousands of meals for South Dakotans facing hunger. From how it all started to the amazing community support and the incredible outcome, this episode shows how every penny truly counts.

Jeff Olson, president of South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger, joins us to talk about the vital role outdoorsmen play in feeding neighbors across the state. He shares how the partnership with Feeding South Dakota began, how the program has grown and evolved, and the incredible number of pounds of donated game meat that now support the charitable food network. Jeff also explains how hunters can get involved and continue making an impact through Sportsmen Against Hunger.

In this conversation, we sit down with Tim Meagher, COO of Vanguard Hospitality, who shares how he found his way into the restaurant industry and why food has always been about more than what’s on the plate. From feeding paying customers to ensuring neighbors don’t go without, he’s created a unique model of giving back. His story is a reminder that each of us has the power to spark change and help build healthier, stronger communities—one act of generosity at a time.

Feeding South Dakota’s Chief Development Officer joins us to highlight all the ways people can help fight hunger across the state—many of which may surprise you. From traditional donations to volunteering, from business partnerships to giving through workplace or planned gifts, there are countless ways to make a difference. This Hunger Action Month, discover how every contribution, big or small, fuels the mission to ensure no neighbor goes hungry.

To launch Hunger Action Month, we’re joined by Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot for an inspiring conversation about the state of hunger across the nation—and right here at home. She shares why this campaign is such a powerful moment for communities to come together and take action, and how local efforts are part of a larger movement to ensure every neighbor has access to the food they need. Claire’s message is one of urgency, hope, and the reminder that each of us has a role to play in ending hunger.

When a student quietly asked for food to take home, teacher Hope Armstrong knew she had to act. That simple question sparked what has become a thriving, student-supported pantry at Georgia Morse Middle School in Pierre, led by Hope and her daughter Harrison, a fellow teacher. In this episode, the mother-daughter duo shares how the pantry grew from a small grab-and-go shelf to a dedicated space that provides food access with dignity, compassion, and care.

In 2006, Jeanne McKenna was the principal at North Middle School in Rapid City when she realized too many of her students were going hungry over the weekend. Determined to find a solution, she launched South Dakota’s very first BackPack Program—an idea sparked by a national news story and fueled by her deep care for kids. This episode is a powerful reminder that one person’s vision can grow into a statewide movement that feeds thousands of children every week.

RF Buche, a fourth-generation grocer reflects on the power of partnerships with tribal communities, especially the transformative experience of helping serve meals to children during the summer months when school meals disappear and need increases. From federal policy solutions to cultural understanding, RF brings both passion and perspective to the conversation about feeding remote communities with dignity and care.

Mary Grimes-Epps shares how a mission trip to the Pine Ridge Reservation transformed her life—and the lives of many others. What started as a visit became a calling, leading Mary and her husband Bob to relocate and build Families Working Together, a trusted community hub in Wamblee. In this episode, she reflects on how showing up and building trust created a space where neighbors can find support, dignity, and connection.

Lexie Fincher, Vice Chair of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate tribe shares how food access becomes even more critical during times of crisis—and what it takes to be ready. With support from Feeding America’s Natives Prepared Project, the tribe has begun assessing local needs and developing a plan to strengthen food systems and emergency response. This episode highlights how planning today helps ensure no one goes hungry tomorrow, even when disaster strikes.

Irona Howe of the Cheyenne River Reservation joins us to talk about the challenges Native communities face in accessing nutritious, consistent food. She shares how local programs—and a growing movement toward food sovereignty—are creating community-led solutions rooted in culture, resilience, and self-determination. This conversation highlights both the barriers and the hope that come with building stronger, more sustainable food systems on Native lands.

In this episode, Lori Dykstra joins us again to share why ensuring access to food matters for every neighbor—no matter where they live. From rural towns to Native American reservations, Lori discusses the unique challenges that make access harder in some areas and the partnerships that help bridge those gaps. It's a candid conversation about listening, showing up, and making sure no one is left out of the fight against hunger.

This episode shines a light on the John T. Vucurevich Foundation and its deep-rooted commitment to ending childhood hunger in the Black Hills. Inspired by John’s own experiences as a hungry child, the Foundation has helped grow programs like mobile food distributions and the BackPack Program. Hear how their ongoing support continues to nourish young lives and strengthen families across the region.

This week's conversation explores the transition of our Madison mobile food distribution to the Lake County Food Pantry providing easier, more consistent access to food. It also opens the door to additional support services through our partnership with ICAP, helping individuals and families find stability beyond the pantry shelves.

In this episode, the Coopers join us to share how a community food distribution in Beresford began - and grew - bringing to light just how much food insecurity exists in their backyard. What the Coopers didn't expect was for the program to abruptly end. This conversation displays the grit and passion that volunteers and communities have to ensure that nobody goes hungry.

In this episode, the Coopers join us to share how a community food distribution in Beresford began - and grew - bringing to light just how much food insecurity exists in their backyard. What the Coopers didn't expect was for the program to abruptly end. This conversation displays the grit and passion that volunteers and communities have to ensure that nobody goes hungry.

In this episode, the Coopers join us to share how a community food distribution in Beresford began - and grew - bringing to light just how much food insecurity exists in their backyard. What the Coopers didn't expect was for the program to abruptly end. This conversation displays the grit and passion that volunteers and communities have to ensure that nobody goes hungry.

In this episode, we talk with Brian Jans of Jans Corp and Site Coordinator at First United Methodist Church — two roles that reflect his deep commitment to community. Brian shares how his construction company helped build Feeding South Dakota’s facility, and how his continued involvement at First UMC supports our largest distribution site in Sioux Falls. This conversation dives into the power of local partnerships, city collaboration, and how community-led solutions are shaping the future of hunger relief in South Dakota.

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In this episode, Feeding South Dakota CEO Lori Dykstra talks about the future of hunger relief through a powerful shift in service: Community Led Distributions. While our Mobile Food Distribution Program has helped us reach communities across the state, we know long-term success means empowering local partners to lead the charge. Lori shares how Feeding South Dakota is strengthening relationships with existing programs to build sustainable, community-driven solutions — because the best way to fight hunger is together.

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In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Folliard, Founder of Health + Nutrition First, to explore the intersection of public policy, nutrition, and food access. With years of experience as a dietitian and in public health policy in Washington, D.C., Jen shares insights on the issue of hunger and how we can combat it. We also dive into the creation of the South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative, a statewide effort bringing partners together to advocate for better nutrition and stronger, healthier communities.

Health + Nutrition First:

https://www.healthnutritionfirst.com/<...

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Canete, who leads the Custer Storehouse food pantry. Kim shares what hunger looks like in a small rural town and how the challenges of distance, access, and limited resources shape the fight against food insecurity. Through it all, the Custer Storehouse remains a vital resource— proving that even in the most remote areas, compassion and community can keep families fed.

Custer Storehouse:

https://www.facebook.com/custerstorehouse/

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In this special 50 Faces of Feeding South Dakota episode, we’re kicking off National Beef Month with Ryan Eichler, President of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation Board. Ryan shares how the strong partnership between the Foundation and Feeding South Dakota helps provide high-quality beef to families facing hunger across the state. He also gives us a preview of the Foundation’s upcoming Prime Time Gala and Concert — a major event with a major impact.

South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation:

https://sdcattlemensfoundation.com/

https://primetimegalatables.com/

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In this episode, Dr. Christine Hockett, Director of Community Research at Avera Research Institute, joins us to talk about the often-overlooked issue of rural hunger. From social determinants of health to the critical role research plays in understanding food insecurity outside urban areas, Dr. Hockett explains why data matters — and how it can lead to real change for South Dakota’s most underserved communities.

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In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Andrea & Owen Fischer, a mother-son duo who regularly volunteer their time to fight hunger. Owen shares what volunteering has taught him as a young person, from responsibility to empathy, while Andrea reflects on the joy of serving alongside her son and watching him grow through giving back. It’s a story about family, impact, and the power of showing up together.

In this episode, we sit down with Chinelle and Molly from Sioux Valley Energy—a company that goes above and beyond when it comes to giving back. They share how their unique volunteering system empowers employees to serve their communities, deepen company culture, and stay connected to causes they care about—like Feeding South Dakota. Tune in to hear how energy meets impact in this inspiring conversation about corporate volunteerism done right.

Volunteer page:

feedingsouthdakota.org/volunteer

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In this episode, we sit down with Kari and Karla from the South Dakota Department of Transportation to explore how their team's regular volunteering at Feeding South Dakota's Pierre location has fostered deeper connections and a strong sense of community. Discover how their consistent efforts have not only supported hunger relief but also strengthened team bonds and created lasting friendships. Tune in to hear how giving back has become a meaningful part of their work culture.

Volunteer page:

feedingsouthdakota.org/volunteer

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Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about coming together. In this episode, we talk with Kathy & Gary Pillen, longtime volunteers at our Mobile Food Distributions in Rapid City. They share how their time serving others turned into something more: friendships, connection, and a true sense of community. Tune in for an inspiring story about the power of giving back!

Volunteer page:

feedingsouthdakota.org/volunteer

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Volunteers are the backbone of Feeding South Dakota. In this special episode leading up to Volunteer Appreciation Month, we sit down with Jennifer Stensaas, Community Engagement Manager, to talk about the impact volunteers make, the relationships built through service, and why every hour given helps fight hunger. PLUS, Stacey receives a very special gift from Jennifer in honor of the podcast! Tune in to hear why our volunteers are truly the heart of our mission!

Volunteer page:

feedingsouthdakota.org/volunteer

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College students shouldn’t have to worry about where they will find their next meal while trying to focus on their studies. In this episode, we talk with Joseph Dlugos and Samantha Harkin of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology about food insecurity on college campuses. Learn how SD School of Mines is making a difference with programs like their on-campus food pantry, ensuring students have access to the nourishment they need to thrive. Tune in for a conversation on breaking down barriers to food access in higher education!

In this episode, we sit down with Mary Beth McClellan, from Monument Health, to discuss food insecurity in the Black Hills region. Learn how Monument Health is working to fight hunger, why food access is a critical part of health care, and how partnerships like theirs are making a difference. Tune in to hear how hunger and health go hand in hand!

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Hy-Vee is more than just a grocery store—it’s a community partner in the fight against hunger. In this episode, we sit down with Ivy Sprague, Hy-Vee’s Strategic Communications Director, to talk about why Hy-Vee donates food, how their partnership with Feeding South Dakota makes an impact, and supporting the communities that support Hy-Vee.

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