Bryleigh McBride
In the quiet landscape of North Dakota, where the Mouse River winds through fields that have fed generations, a piece of history continues to grow—both literally and figuratively. The Lord’s Cupboard Pantry, located at Brekke Farm near Simcoe, is more than just a source of food; it’s a living legacy of family, faith, and farming.
To understand the importance of the Lord’s Cupboard Pantry, one must first look to the soil it stands on—soil that has been worked by the Brekke family for over a century. The roots of the farm go back to 1901, when Sam Brekke was born into a family destined to shape the agricultural future of the Simcoe area.
Not long after Sam’s birth, his father H.O. Brekke made a daring journey to the north crossing of the Mouse River, making his way toward Simcoe with a pioneering spirit. With resilience and determination, the Brekke family began to transform the wild prairie into workable farmland.
By the time Chris Brekke was just 15 years old, he had already begun breaking sod using horse teams, a practice that would continue for nine years. Chris quickly gained a reputation as a horse expert, admired for his dedication to the hard work that early farming required. Tragically, Chris’s story was cut short—he died in World War I, a loss that changed the dynamic of the farm forever. Still, the Brekke family persevered.
H.O. Brekke continued to farm, and Sam Brekke, inspired by both tradition and innovation, went on to attend the North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo, where he studied farm mechanics. This decision signaled a shift toward modern farming techniques, helping ensure the longevity of the family farm.
Fast-forward to today, and the farm is now owned and operated by Duane and Jeanne Brekke, who carry the family torch with both pride and purpose. But the farm has taken on a new mission—one rooted in compassion. Half of the property is now dedicated to The Lord’s Cupboard Pantry, a volunteer-based initiative focused on growing fresh produce for those in need.
The pantry garden, nestled in the heart of Brekke Farm, provides seasonal fruits and vegetables to local families facing food insecurity. Operated by generous volunteers from the community, the pantry is a testament to the power of local action. “It’s a way of giving back while preserving what our family has built,” says Duane Brekke, who now helps run the operation.
By combining historical farmland with a modern community cause, the Brekke family has managed to turn their heritage into hope for others. The impact of the pantry goes far beyond just nutrition. With rising food costs and supply chain uncertainties, access to fresh, local produce has become increasingly difficult for many rural North Dakota families. The Lord’s
Cupboard Pantry not only fills that gap—it does so with food that’s grown sustainably and shared with dignity.
Volunteers from churches, acquaintances, and surrounding communities help tend the garden, from planting in the spring to harvest in the fall. It’s a true collaboration, one that echoes the communal spirit that sustained the early Brekke generations.
What sets the Lord’s Cupboard apart is its deep connection to place and history. Unlike many modern food pantries, which rely on store donations or boxed goods, this pantry offers produce straight from the land. Tomatoes, lettuce, squash, beans, these are foods that nourish in every sense of the word.
The name “The Lord’s Cupboard” reflects the pantry’s mission: to be a place where no one is turned away and where the abundance of the land is shared freely. In a world that often moves too fast, the Brekke farm stands as a reminder of simpler, nobler values—hard work, hospitality, and hope.
For Duane and Jeanne Brekke, continuing the farm’s legacy isn’t just about maintaining tradition—it’s about transforming it into a tool for service. Each growing season becomes a chance to not only remember the sacrifices of ancestors like Chris and Sam but also to provide for neighbors in times of need.
As the pantry prepares for another year of growth, both in the soil and in spirit, the story of Brekke Farm remains an inspiring example of what happens when history, heart, and harvest come together.
From the seeds first planted by pioneers over a century ago to the fruits now harvested for families in need, the Lord’s Cupboard Pantry is a living legacy of generosity and grace.
