Blame Bates Serves Fargo Meals, Supplies Every Other Sunday
The Fargo nonprofit distributes free meals and essentials as colder temperatures increase demand for winter clothing.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Philanthropy
Blame Bates distributes free meals and essential supplies every other Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. in a parking lot just east of the downtown Fargo YMCA. The organization reports serving approximately 80 to 125 individuals during each outreach event.
Why it matters
Some people have difficulty finding assistance on Sundays, and the organization schedules its outreach on that day to reach them. Colder temperatures have also increased the need for winter clothing and supplies in the Fargo area.
Attendance has grown from roughly 50 people at the first meal distributions to approximately 80 to 125 per event, with some outreach days exceeding 100. The organization has not released a cumulative total of individuals served or a budget figure for the program.
The players
Blame Bates
A Fargo-based nonprofit that provides free meals, toiletries, blankets and winter clothing to people in need, operating outreach events every other Sunday.
WDAY Radio
A Fargo broadcast radio station whose studios at 2852 Thunder Road South host a Blame Bates donation collection box.
The details
Volunteers distribute toiletries, blankets, winter clothing and other necessities alongside meals. Donation boxes have been placed at several Fargo-area businesses, including Athena's Pizza, and a collection box is available at the WDAY Radio studios at 2852 Thunder Road South.
Timeline
September: Blame Bates marked its first anniversary.
Two weeks before the article: The organization served approximately 80 people.
Every other Sunday, noon to 2 p.m.: Free meal and supply distribution in Fargo.
Philanthropy Landscape
Blame Bates' Sunday schedule fills a gap that weekday-focused services in Fargo's outreach network may not cover, extending the local safety net beyond traditional hours. Its growth from about 50 to over 100 people per event illustrates how volunteer-driven outreach is scaling to meet winter demand.
Fargo residents can drop off donations at the WDAY Radio studios or at participating local businesses, including Athena's Pizza. Volunteers are needed to expand the outreach from every other Sunday to every Sunday, which the organization says would require additional help and funding.
The takeaway
Organizations serving winter needs often depend on volunteers and small donations from neighbors. Checking whether a local outreach group needs jackets, toiletries or blankets is a practical way to help before the coldest weeks.
Further reading
For more on local giving, see Philanthropy coverage of Fargo-area nonprofits and donor drives.
More information
Sign up to volunteer or donate through the Blame Bates volunteer and donation signup page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDAY Radio - AM 970 and FM 93.1.
