In December, 2004, while searching for more resources to help the needy, we happily discovered the Rapid City Food Bank, a non-profit affiliate of Community Food Banks of South Dakota. Through our status as a non-profit organization with charitable works as part of our Mission, we are able to buy food for families who need it. All food available at the Food Bank can be purchased for the basic price of $ .18 per pound. This includes a wide range from frozen meats to a large variety of canned and dry goods. To understand what this kind of pricing means, simply envision being able to fill up a pick-up truck with boxes of food for about $100.
We have established a Hochoka Healing Center checking account in Hot Springs to receive funds for buying food. Our criterion for disbursement was established by an agreement with the Food Bank based on need. We attempt to respond to all requests for assistance which comply with the economic criterion. However, we are limited by available funds. We are aware that there are many, many families beyond the seven or eight that we regularly help, who need food supplementation. Subsequently, it is our hope to enlarge our service in this area by accumulating more funds for this project. If you feel that you have something to share and this kind of service interests you, please contact the Hochoka Healing Center’s president, Paula Rooks, in Hot Springs, SD (select CONTACT US from the main menu) to find out more about this on-going Hochoka Healing Center project.