Food bank rolling again with donated van

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead Food Bank deliveries are rolling again, thanks to the donation of a 2000 full-size van from Kalispell Toyota.

Support has been pouring in since an Inter Lake story on Saturday told about one of the food bank's two transport vans being out of commission with a blown engine.

Food-bank officials were panicked because they rely heavily on both vehicles to haul food to outlying food pantries and pick up groceries from several local stores.

There was no money in the budget for repairs that were estimated at $7,500.

"I'm overwhelmed with the generosity and the concern," food bank Director Lori Botkin said. "People in this valley are incredibly generous."

More than a dozen people offered smaller vans and sport-utility vehicles and also volunteered to make deliveries. A local doctor gave $3,000. Both individuals and businesses such as Semitool and Plum Creek Timber Co. stepped in with donations.

With the cash contributions, the agency likely will be able to repair the old van and use it as a much-needed backup vehicle, Botkin said. She's also checking out an offer of a used engine for the vehicle.

Any extra money will be used to get the agency through the holiday season.

This year, the food bank has gotten 62,000 fewer pounds of food from area grocery stores. Those stores have long provided products a day or two past the expiration date, but now don't want to risk the liability.

Most of the decreased poundage is milk. Botkin said in October that the food bank this year has spent $10,000 on milk that used to be donated.

The food bank also needs food donations this time of year as plans are finalized for holiday baskets for needy residents.

Canned and packaged goods may be dropped off at the main food bank in Kalispell or outlying pantries in Marion, Martin City, Bigfork and Evergreen. Donations may be sent to Flathead Food Bank, 105 Sixth Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901.