Free School Supplies and Backpacks for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Last updated: September 2025

If you have no time, start with the three steps below, then come back and use the rest of this guide. Every organization or program named here is linked for you, and most include a phone number.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call ND 211 FirstLink to find the nearest backpack or school‑supply distribution and get same‑day referrals. Use call, text, or web search via FirstLink 211 or dial 2‑1‑1. If you can’t reach 211, use the toll‑free line at 1-800-543-7709 listed at United Way 211. (informusa.org)
• Go to the next scheduled backpack pickup in Fargo or ask your school for leftover kits. Check dates and rules on United Way of Cass‑Clay’s School Supply Drive and the FARGODOME event page. If the Fargo dates have passed, your district may still have extras—ask the front office. (unitedwaycassclay.org)
• If you have school‑age kids, apply for food help right now so your budget can cover supplies. Start a SNAP (food stamps) application and confirm Summer EBT status through ND Summer EBT (SUN Bucks). SNAP regular processing can take up to 30 days; expedited cases can be 7 days. (hhs.nd.gov)

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Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

• United Way Cass‑Clay School Supply Drive — event times and FAQs: Drive page, event details at FARGODOME. Phone 1-701-237-5050. (unitedwaycassclay.org)
• ND HHS Customer Support Center — SNAP, TANF cash aid, Child Care Assistance (CCAP) and more: Apply for Help portal, SNAP program page here. Phone 1-866-614-6005. (hhs.nd.gov)
• School Meal Eligibility (new 225% rules) — North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) School Nutrition: Free & Reduced Price info, program Q&A here. Child Nutrition main line 1-701-328-2294. (nd.gov)
• Local School Homeless Liaison (McKinney‑Vento) — find contacts at NDDPI Homeless Education page or your district’s site (e.g., Fargo Public Schools liaison, Bismarck Students‑in‑Transition (SIT)). (nd.gov)
• WIC for moms and kids under 5 — monthly food benefits and breastfeeding support: ND WIC – How to Apply, USDA WIC ND contacts here. State WIC line 1-800-472-2286. (hhs.nd.gov)

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Who This Guide Is For

You’re a single mom in North Dakota trying to get free backpacks and school supplies without chasing dead ends. This guide focuses on real steps, current 2025 events, and direct contacts across the state. You’ll see exact dates, phone numbers, and options if one door is closed. You’ll also see how to stretch your budget with meal programs and utility protections, so you can use your cash for shoes, calculators, and fees. We link straight to official pages like North Dakota Health & Human Services (HHS), NDDPI Child Nutrition, and FirstLink 211. (hhs.nd.gov)

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What’s New for 2025 That Helps with Back‑to‑School Costs

North Dakota expanded state support for school meals and continued new summer benefits. Knowing these rules saves money for supplies.

• State 225% school meal coverage: North Dakota now funds free school meals up to 225% of the federal poverty level starting July 1, 2025. Check NDDPI’s updated guidance and application timing at SNP Free & Reduced Price Information and the program Q&A at School Nutrition Program. Schools must determine eligibility within ten days after receiving your application in 2025–26. Tip: Submit right after July 1. (nd.gov)
• **Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) $120perchild\ast \ast :Forsummer2025,eligiblestudentsgetaone‑time$120 EBT card to buy groceries. Cards started mailing in May 2025; ND HHS and NDDPI run the program together. See details, income table, and the help email at ND Summer EBT portal and the HHS page here. Action: If your child qualifies for federal free/reduced meals or you receive SNAP/TANF/Medicaid/FDPIR, you’re likely auto‑enrolled. If not, apply by the listed deadline. (ndsummerebt.nd.gov)
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended: The federal $30internetdiscountendedin2024;looktothe\ast \ast Lifeline\ast \ast phone/internetdiscountasafallback.Startat[\ast LifelineSupport(USAC)\ast ](https://www.lifelinesupport.org/)andlearnthemonthlybenefit($9.25; $34.25 on Tribal lands) at USAC Lifeline overview. (fcc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If meal or Summer EBT rules confuse you, call NDDPI Child Nutrition at 1-701-328-2294 from the DPI contact page, or contact your district’s McKinney‑Vento liaison for help with forms and school‑provided supplies through NDDPI Homeless Education. For internet, ask your phone or internet company if they accept Lifeline and use the “Companies Near Me” tool on USAC. (nd.gov)

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The Big Events That Hand Out Free Backpacks and Supplies

These are the largest, recurring distribution events and programs with 2025 details. Even if an event window has passed, ask your school office or district liaison—schools usually keep limited extras.

• United Way of Cass‑Clay (Fargo–Moorhead): Backpack pickup at the FARGODOME happened August 6–8, 2025, for K‑12 students in Cass and Clay counties; bring ID for each child. See updates and contact info on the School Supply Drive page and the FARGODOME event listing. Local news coverage confirmed a 6,500‑backpack goal and distribution traffic planning. (unitedwaycassclay.org)
• Salvation Army “Stuff the Bus” and local back‑to‑school distributions: Fargo held a 2025 Stuff the Bus drive; local corps run school‑supply events in multiple cities. Check the Fargo coverage and call your city’s Salvation Army (e.g., Williston 1-701-572-2921). Event posts for Grand Forks and Minot show 2025 distribution dates. See Fargo event story here, Grand Forks partner drive here, and Minot distribution here. (kvrr.com)
• United Way (other metros): United Way groups beyond Cass‑Clay often support school kits or clothing closets. In Grand Forks, the United Way GF‑EGF “Kidz Closet” accepts and distributes school supplies and essentials; their Backpack Program focuses on weekend food and runs “Pack the Backpack” drives each August. (givegfegf.org)
• Military families — Operation Homefront Back‑to‑School Brigade: Minot AFB hosted the 2025 distribution on August 8; register at MyOperationHomefront.org. Call the School Liaison Office 1-701-723-1447 for base details. (5thforcesupport.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Missed the dates or live far away? Ask your school counselor or McKinney‑Vento liaison about leftover kits and fee waivers—find liaisons via NDDPI Homeless Education. Also call FirstLink 211 and ask for “school supplies” resources near your ZIP. (nd.gov)

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How to Get School‑Provided Supplies Through Your District

Your local school can quietly cover supplies for students in need, especially under McKinney‑Vento rights. Ask the school office or the district liaison for help, even if you are doubled‑up with relatives.

• Fargo Public Schools: The Homeless Liaison is listed on the district page; call to request supplies and transportation support to your school of origin. See the liaison contact on Fargo Public Schools Homeless Program and also check the Cass‑Clay United Way drive if you need a backpack. (fargo.k12.nd.us)
• Bismarck Public Schools — Students in Transition (SIT): The SIT coordinator can arrange supplies, transportation, and fee support. Contact SIT via Bismarck SIT page and ask about backpacks delivered to schools after local drives. (bismarckschools.org)
• Grand Forks Public Schools: The district lists social workers and the liaison (Deb Nagle) who manages McKinney‑Vento support. Use the contact list on GFPS Social Work Program and the homeless program hub here. (gfschools.org)
• Minot Public Schools — Students in Transition: The Students in Transition team supports supplies and transport; contact info is published at Minot Public Schools SIT. Also check local events listed by Minot Salvation Army. (minot.k12.nd.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your district page isn’t clear, use the statewide resource hub on NDDPI’s Homeless Education page, or call NDDPI Educational Improvement & Support at 1-701-328-2958 from the DPI contact list. Also text your ZIP to 898‑211 and ask for “school supplies” providers. (nd.gov)

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Reality Check — Funding Runs Out, Lines Get Long

Back‑to‑school drives can run out on day one, and not every city has a big event. Expect lines at large giveaways and bring ID for each child if asked. Fargo’s drive packed 6,500 backpacks in 2025 and still saw heavy demand. Check the drive page and local news updates to confirm times before you go, and have a Plan B. Use United Way Cass‑Clay’s event page and local news coverage from KVRR. (unitedwaycassclay.org)

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Tables You Can Screenshot

Quick Contacts — School Supplies and Budget Backstops

2025 Event Snapshots — Supplies by Region

Eligibility Clues — Who Usually Gets Free Supplies

Timelines — What to Expect

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Step‑by‑Step — Fastest Paths to a Free Backpack

• Check the nearest big drive
  • Look up current or recent dates on United Way Cass‑Clay’s drive and share the info with friends.
  • If the event ended, call your school district office and ask for leftover United Way kits (the FARGODOME page notes schools receive limited extras). See event details.
  • Ask your school counselor about any church or nonprofit partner running “Stuff the Bus” in your town; recent examples ran in Fargo and Minot. See coverage here and Minot’s event post here. (unitedwaycassclay.org)
• Use your school’s McKinney‑Vento liaison
  • If you’re doubled‑up with family, in a motel, shelter, or moving around, tell the liaison and ask for school supplies and transport.
  • Find your liaison via NDDPI Homeless Education or your district’s page, like Fargo or Bismarck SIT. (nd.gov)
• Call 211 for local pickups
  • Ask for “school supplies or backpacks” and “clothing closets.”
  • If you need transportation to an event, ask 211 about bus passes or community ride help. Use FirstLink 211 and the national United Way 211. (informusa.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact a local Community Action agency. In Bismarck, ask about “Backpacks for Kids” and the clothing closet at Community Action Program Region VII or call 1-701-258-2240 from their contact page. If a community action office in your area has changed operations (Grand Forks’ RRVCA ceased daily operations Aug. 15, 2025), use 211 to find replacement providers. See the notices at RRVCA site and local coverage at the Grand Forks Herald. (cap7.com)

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Stretch Your Budget — Food and Child‑Care Help That Frees Cash for Supplies

• School breakfast and lunch: Apply even if you think you’re just over federal limits. State funds now cover kids up to 225% FPL in 2025–26. Get the application and 10‑day processing rule on SNP Free & Reduced and the School Nutrition Q&A. Action: Submit in early July. (nd.gov)
• SNAP (food stamps): Apply online to start the clock. Regular processing is up to 30 days; some households can get expedited benefits in seven days. Start at ND HHS SNAP and review timelines at the state policy page here. Need help? Call Great Plains Food Bank SNAP Outreach 1-855-405-0000 via HHS SNAP page. (hhs.nd.gov)
• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks): Watch for the $120 per child card; most eligible families receive it automatically. Check status through the ND Summer EBT portal and the HHS FAQ. (ndsummerebt.nd.gov)
• WIC: If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or have kids under five, WIC adds monthly food benefits and nutrition support. Find your clinic at ND WIC or call 1‑800‑472‑2286, with USDA contact info here. (hhs.nd.gov)
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): If you work or are in training/school, CCAP can offset child‑care costs so you can buy school needs. Read current income limits and how to apply at ND HHS CCAP. Tip: Homelessness can qualify as a temporary allowable activity while you secure care. (hhs.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the local food bank or pantry for a SNAP application assist—Great Plains Food Bank can help by phone statewide. If child‑care costs stall your job search, ask CCAP about the “temporary allowable activity” and use the Self‑Service Portal at Apply for Help. (greatplainsfoodbank.org)

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Health and Immunizations — Required for School Entry (Save on Fees)

North Dakota requires specific immunizations for K‑12, with exclusions after October 1 if records are not up to date. Low‑income families can use the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program through local public health units. Review requirements and contacts on ND HHS Schools & Child Care immunization hub and see the K‑12 vaccine chart here. Action: Bring immunization records when picking up supplies if your school offers pop‑up clinics. (hhs.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the ND Immunization Unit at 1-800-472-2180 using the school health page, or ask your clinic if it’s a VFC provider via the VFC info page. (nd.gov)

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in North Dakota Today

If your lights or gas are at risk near the first day of school, act fast so you can use your money for supplies.

• Call the ND HHS Customer Support Center and ask about emergency options, including LIHEAP or other aid through your Human Service Zone. Start at Apply for Help and find zone contacts at Human Service Zones. (hhs.nd.gov)
• Use 211 to find same‑day help for utility assistance or payment plans. Contact FirstLink 211 or text your ZIP to 898‑211 as shown at United Way 211. (informusa.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school’s liaison for a confirmation letter showing school‑age kids in the home; some churches and community funds prioritize families with students. The liaison directory sits at NDDPI Homeless Education. (nd.gov)

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

• Community Action agencies: Besides energy help, some offices run “Backpacks for Kids,” clothing closets, and voucher programs. In Bismarck, see CAP Region VII programs and call 1‑701‑258‑2240 via CAP contact. Statewide look‑up: Community Action Partnership of ND. (cap7.com)
• Salvation Army: Local corps often distribute school supplies or issue thrift store vouchers for kids. Williston’s programs list school supplies under “Seasonal assistance.” See Williston Salvation Army programs and 2025 Fargo “Stuff the Bus” coverage here. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)
• United Way local affiliates: Even where there’s no big drive, offices coordinate clothing, weekend food, or partner referrals. In Grand Forks, check Kidz Closet and the Backpack Program. (givegfegf.org)
• Great Plains Food Bank: Ask about SNAP help and whether a local pantry offers school‑age kits or referrals. Use SNAP Outreach and the statewide site here. (greatplainsfoodbank.org)
• Catholic Charities North Dakota: Case management and referrals; multiple offices statewide. See phone and office listings at CCND contact pages and general info here. (catholiccharitiesnd.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school counselor about local church drives—many don’t advertise widely. Also search community calendars via 211. Use FirstLink 211. (informusa.org)

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Resources by Region

Fargo–Moorhead (Cass & Clay)

Start with the flagship United Way School Supply Drive. Families who miss the August pickup can still ask their school for extras. See the drive hub at United Way Cass‑Clay and the FARGODOME details. For SNAP/WIC or child‑care costs that block supply purchases, use ND HHS SNAP and CCAP. (unitedwaycassclay.org)

Plan B: Contact the Fargo Public Schools liaison for help with supplies and transport from FPS Homeless Program, and ask 211 for smaller church drives at FirstLink 211. (fargo.k12.nd.us)

Bismarck–Mandan (Burleigh & Morton)

Ask Students in Transition (SIT) at Bismarck Public Schools for school supplies tied to McKinney‑Vento and Title I. Contact via Bismarck SIT. For clothing and household items, check Community Action Program Region VII’s clothing closet and backpack efforts at CAP Region VII. (bismarckschools.org)

Plan B: If supplies are still short, ask CAP Region VII at 1-701-258-2240 for vouchers from contact page, and call ND HHS Customer Support at 1-866-614-6005 for SNAP/CCAP processing at Apply for Help. (cap7.com)

Grand Forks–East Grand Forks (GF County)

Check Kidz Closet for clothing and supplies and the Backpack Program for weekend food. Use Kidz Closet and Backpack Program. If you need school‑based help, contact GFPS social workers using the district list. (givegfegf.org)

Plan B: If your regular providers have changed (RRVCA closed daily operations in Aug. 2025), call FirstLink 211 to find replacement resources, as noted by RRVCA and the Grand Forks Herald. (rrvca.com)

Minot & Ward County

Look for Minot Salvation Army’s back‑to‑school distribution and ask your school office for “leftovers” after the event. See event details here. For military families, see Operation Homefront via Minot AFB event page. (allevents.in)

Plan B: Minot’s Students in Transition team can coordinate supplies; contacts are listed at Minot Public Schools SIT. (minot.k12.nd.us)

Williston, Watford City & the Oil Patch (Williams, McKenzie, Divide)

Call the Williston Salvation Army for seasonal school‑supply assistance or thrift vouchers and ask about partners through Williston Basin United Way. Use Williston Salvation Army programs and the partners list at Williston Basin United Way. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)

Plan B: Ask your school office about small local drives and church lists; when in doubt, call FirstLink 211 at 2‑1‑1, or use United Way 211. (211unitedway.org)

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Diverse Communities — Tailored Tips and Trusted Doors

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your school liaison for discreet help and a note for teachers to address your child by the correct name. The liaison directory sits at NDDPI Homeless Education, and crisis support plus local resources are reachable via FirstLink 211. Accessibility note: Ask for large‑print applications or translated meal forms at your school office. (nd.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: If medical bills are crowding out your supply budget, ask about SNAP expedited service and WIC at ND HHS SNAP and ND WIC. For immunization accommodations or home‑based help, contact the Immunization Unit on the Schools & Child Care page. Accessibility note: TTY is available at 711 through HHS contact lines. (hhs.nd.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Ask about Operation Homefront events and case support through base School Liaisons; see Minot AFB’s 2025 event at 5th Force Support. For phone/internet savings after ACP ended, apply for Lifeline. (5thforcesupport.com)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: You can apply for school meals and SNAP for eligible U.S.‑born children; SNAP notes that getting benefits will not hurt citizenship hopes. Review SNAP info at ND HHS SNAP and school meal rules at NDDPI School Nutrition. Language access: Ask the school or ND HHS for interpreter help; 211 offers all‑language support. (hhs.nd.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: Ask your school’s Indian Education/JOM contact about school‑supply reimbursements or bulk‑purchase programs for enrolled students. Example: St. John School District notes JOM reimbursement of basic supplies; see St. John JOM page. Tribal families can also get larger phone/internet discounts via Lifeline Tribal benefit. (stjohn.k12.nd.us)
• Rural single moms with limited access: Ask 211 for “to‑go” or mail‑out supply kits; some agencies coordinate with schools to send home kits. For weekend food, ask about local backpack food programs through Great Plains Food Bank and your district office. Connectivity: Apply for Lifeline after ACP wind‑down. (greatplainsfoodbank.org)
• Single fathers: You can use every program listed here—there is no mom‑only gatekeeping. Start with FirstLink 211 and your school liaison via NDDPI Homeless Education. (informusa.org)
• Language access: Ask for translated school meal applications, large‑print forms, or interpreter services through your district nutrition office at NDDPI School Nutrition and ND HHS lines at Apply for Help. 211 can conference in interpreters; see United Way 211 contact. (nd.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the first day of school
  • Most big drives happen in early August. Check the United Way Cass‑Clay page in June and July, and watch local media updates like KVRR. (unitedwaycassclay.org)
• Not applying for school meals
  • The 225% state coverage is new for 2025–26; it can free $80–$120 a month that you can spend on supplies. Apply using SNP Free & Reduced. (nd.gov)
• Skipping SNAP because you “won’t qualify”
  • Households often qualify during job changes. Start at ND HHS SNAP. If you’re short on food now, ask about 7‑day expedited processing—ND policy spells out timelines. See processing policy. (hhs.nd.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Backpacks: United Way Cass‑Clay • FARGODOME events • Salvation Army local corps • FirstLink 211 (unitedwaycassclay.org)
• School meals: NDDPI School Nutrition • SNP Free & Reduced • Summer EBT (nd.gov)
• Food help: SNAP • Great Plains Food Bank SNAP Outreach • United Way GF‑EGF Backpack Program (hhs.nd.gov)
• Child care: ND HHS CCAP • Apply for Help portal • Human Service Zones (hhs.nd.gov)
• School liaisons: NDDPI Homeless Education • Fargo Homeless Program • Bismarck SIT (nd.gov)

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Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot

• Photo ID for you and any ID for each child if requested (school ID, insurance card, report card) — see event notes at FARGODOME listing and United Way event info. (fargodome.com)
• Proof of address (mail with your name) and school name for each child — ask your school office what they accept; get liaison help at NDDPI Homeless Education. (nd.gov)
• SNAP/Medicaid/TANF case number if you have one — it can auto‑qualify kids for free meals; see NDDPI School Nutrition. (nd.gov)
• Income proof (recent pay stubs) for school meals or CCAP; find forms at SNP Free & Reduced and CCAP page. (nd.gov)
• Immunization records for school enrollment; see state requirements at ND HHS K‑12 requirements and school health info here. (hhs.nd.gov)

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If Your Application Gets Denied

• School meals: Ask for a written reason and how to appeal. Point to the 2025–26 225% state eligibility if your income is between federal and state cutoffs. References sit at SNP Free & Reduced. (nd.gov)
• SNAP: You can appeal; ND lists the hearing request form (SFN 162) and rights on the SNAP page. If food is low, ask about expedited processing (7 days) under the policy manual. (hhs.nd.gov)
• CCAP: Ask the Customer Support Center to review your file and copay math. Guidance and contacts live on CCAP. (hhs.nd.gov)
• WIC: Ask for a second check of your nutrition risk screening and income entry. Clinic contacts are on ND WIC. (hhs.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school’s McKinney‑Vento liaison to write a support letter or help you gather documents. The directory and tools are at NDDPI Homeless Education. Also call 211 to find a free navigator. (nd.gov)

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County‑Specific Variations You Should Know

• Cass/Clay: The largest inventory of backpacks is here; if you live nearby, plan for early August. Use United Way Cass‑Clay and FARGODOME. (unitedwaycassclay.org)
• Burleigh/Morton: Rely on SIT at Bismarck Public Schools and CAP Region VII (clothing closet). See SIT page and CAP programs. (bismarckschools.org)
• Grand Forks area: Kidz Closet and the Backpack Program help many families; RRVCA operations ceased in August 2025, so call 211 for updated referrals. See Kidz Closet and the closure notices at RRVCA. (givegfegf.org)
• Ward/Minot: The Salvation Army hosts supply distributions; military families can use Operation Homefront. Check Minot event and Minot AFB. (allevents.in)
• Williams/Divide/McKenzie: The Williston Salvation Army lists school supplies in seasonal assistance; confirm dates by phone. Use programs page. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)

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Bonus: Internet and Phone Discounts After ACP Ended

ACP ended in 2024, but Lifeline still provides monthly discounts. Learn the current benefit and how to apply at Lifeline Support and the program overview on USAC. If you live on Tribal lands, the benefit is higher. Action: Check “Companies Near Me” to see providers in your ZIP. (fcc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school if it has a limited number of hotspots for families in crisis, and call 211 to search “digital inclusion” or “technology” supports at United Way 211. (211unitedway.org)

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FAQs — North Dakota, 2025

1. Do I have to prove income for a free backpack?
   Not usually. Big drives like United Way Cass‑Clay ask for child ID, not pay stubs. If you miss the drive, schools get a limited extra supply for students in need—ask your office or counselor and show enrollment. See the distribution notes on the FARGODOME page. (unitedwaycassclay.org)
2. What if I live outside the Fargo area?
   Use 211 to find smaller drives hosted by churches, charities, and service clubs. Start with FirstLink 211 and ask your school office. The Williston Salvation Army and Minot Salvation Army ran 2025 efforts. (informusa.org)
3. Can my school give my child supplies if we’re doubled‑up or in a motel?
   Yes. McKinney‑Vento rights include immediate enrollment and help with supplies, fees, and transport. Find your liaison at NDDPI Homeless Education or your district page (e.g., Bismarck SIT). (nd.gov)
4. What changed for school meals in 2025–26?
   North Dakota funds free meals up to 225% FPL. Districts must use the NDEIEG rules and decide within 10 days. See SNP Free & Reduced and program Q&A. (nd.gov)
5. How fast can I get SNAP if my pantry is empty?
   Expedited SNAP can arrive within seven calendar days; regular processing takes up to 30 days. Read timelines in ND’s policy at Application Processing and apply at ND HHS SNAP. (nd.gov)
6. Is there still federal internet help like ACP?
   ACP ended in 2024. Apply for Lifeline at Lifeline Support (USAC), which provides a smaller monthly discount; higher on Tribal lands. See USAC Lifeline. (fcc.gov)
7. Do health shots cost money?
   Many children qualify for free vaccines through VFC, and schools can exclude students not up to date by October 1. See K‑12 requirements at ND HHS K‑12 and the school health page here. (hhs.nd.gov)
8. Where can I get weekend food for my kids?
   Ask your school about a “Backpack” food program. In Grand Forks, United Way runs one; see the Backpack Program. Statewide, ask Great Plains Food Bank. (givegfegf.org)
9. Can Community Action help with supplies?
   Some offices run backpack or clothing programs. In Bismarck, look at CAP Region VII. If your county’s provider has changed (e.g., Grand Forks), call 211 for updates. Use FirstLink 211. (cap7.com)
10. I’m a veteran mom near Minot—any special events?
    Yes. Operation Homefront hosts Back‑to‑School Brigade events; Minot AFB hosted on August 8, 2025. Check 5th Force Support. (5thforcesupport.com)

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Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Esta guía ofrece pasos rápidos para conseguir mochilas y útiles escolares gratis en Dakota del Norte. Revise primero el evento de United Way Cass‑Clay y pida ayuda a su escuela si necesita kits adicionales. Para comida y así ahorrar dinero, solicite SNAP y comidas escolares (con nuevas reglas estatales hasta 225% del nivel de pobreza en 2025–26) en NDDPI School Nutrition. Llame al 2‑1‑1 (FirstLink 211) para encontrar distribuciones locales, iglesias y organizaciones con mochilas. Si sus niños son elegibles, también revise Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) y WIC. Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA y puede contener errores; confirme detalles con las páginas oficiales. (unitedwaycassclay.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• North Dakota Health & Human Services (Apply for Help)
• NDDPI — School Nutrition Program and Free/Reduced info
• ND Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) information
• FirstLink 211 — North Dakota
• United Way of Cass‑Clay — School Supply Drive
• SNAP processing timelines (ND policy)
• Minot AFB — Operation Homefront BTS Brigade
• United Way GF‑EGF — Kidz Closet/Backpack Program
• Great Plains Food Bank — SNAP Outreach
• USAC — Lifeline

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only. Program rules change and local funding varies by county and date. Always confirm event dates, eligibility, and required documents with the program’s official page or your school office. For urgent needs, call 2‑1‑1 via FirstLink 211 and check ND HHS Apply for Help for current program availability. (informusa.org)

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Final Notes and Real‑World Examples

• A Fargo mom who arrived late to the FARGODOME pickup still got help after staff pointed her to her child’s school, which had a small stash of extras. That “ask the school after the event” instruction appears on the FARGODOME event page. To be safe, bring your child’s ID and a list of their teachers. (fargodome.com)
• In Minot, families registered online for the Salvation Army event to secure a time slot—and some children received shoes with their kits. The 2025 post is at Minot Salvation Army event page. (allevents.in)
• Grand Forks parents often combine Kidz Closet clothing with a school meal application to redirect cash to calculators and fees; both programs’ info is at Kidz Closet and SNP Free & Reduced. (givegfegf.org)

If you hit a wall anywhere, pause and call 211. Ask for “school supplies now,” then “back‑to‑school clothing,” then “SNAP application help.” Those three moves free up enough cash for shoes, headphones, and the last‑minute items teachers ask for. Use FirstLink 211 and the national United Way 211. (informusa.org)

Good luck this season—you’ve got options, and every link here goes straight to the source.

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🏛️More North Dakota Resources for Single Mothers

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• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery