Breadbasket seeks shared space with ambulance service

Discussions about repurposing Flandreaus old fire hall as a base for the countys ambulance service are drawing interest from another key community group: the Breadbasket Food Pantry.
Founded in 1996, the Breadbasket serves about 70 households monthly in Moody County. However, its current 700-square-foot space limits the pantrys operations and ability to accept food donations.
Families must receive pre-packed boxes instead of selecting items themselves.
Were just maxed to the gills, said Judy Jones who helps in the Breadbasket.
Its more efficient this way, but it makes me sad we cant let people choose their food.
In 2023, the pantry assisted 2,728 people, including 1,110 children. Board member and former educator Stuart Zephier emphasized the pantrys critical role, noting that unmet needs could negatively affect local families and children.
The old fire hall would be a much better fit for us, Zephier said.
Wed only need a portion of the space and could coexist with the ambulance service.
Preliminary plans, discussed between pantry board members and county officials, suggest the Breadbasket could occupy 3540% of the building. The remaining space would be retrofitted for the ambulance service, including two bays for vehicles, staff apartments, and an improved kitchen and meeting area.
Both organizations have requested the city donate the building to help them address their needs.
The ambulance services future in Flandreau is uncertain otherwise without a new facility or additional financial support. (See related story.) The county, unable to continue funding operations without adequate reimbursement, has requested the city pay a $25,000 annual stipend or gift the county its old fire station now that a new fire hall is complete.
Commission Chairwoman Carla Bruning encouraged city councilors to consider the Breadbaskets mission.
Not only as a commissioner but also as a citizen of Flandreau, I would appreciate some thought given to this as an idea, she said at the November 4 meeting of the Flandreau City Council.