North Dakota Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden pardoned a turkey in a symbolic ceremony, supporting local charities amid rising food insecurity.

North Dakota Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden pardoned Ruben, a 40-pound turkey from Sundale Turkey Farms, during the state’s annual turkey pardon ceremony on November 17, 2025. The symbolic event, part of a tradition dating to the 1970s, honored North Dakota’s turkey industry and supported local charities. The North Dakota Turkey Federation donated 24 turkeys—50% more than the previous year—to the Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe and the Abused Adult Resource Center, amid rising demand due to the federal government shutdown and suspended SNAP benefits. The pardon, which took place at 4:07 p.m. at the Bismarck State Capitol, underscored community support and gratitude, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong declaring the week as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.