Local food banks to benefit from Town Pump grant

In the four weeks since the coronavirus made its way to Montana, food banks in communities across the state have experienced a shortage of food and also an alarming increase in demand.

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation acknowledged this need by approving an immediate grant for $1 million dollars to be distributed among 100 food banks and shelters throughout Montana. The money will be sent directly to the organizations and will not require the communities to match funds.

Many pantries in the Flathead Valley will benefit from this monetary donation, including Flathead Food Bank in Kalispell, North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish, Columbia Falls Food Bank, Northwest Montana Veterans Sand Down in Kalispell, Bigfork Food Bank, Westshore Food Bank in Lakeside and Tobacco Valley Food Pantry in Eureka.

The pandemic has put additional strain on Montana families who already experience financial insecurity and need food assistance. In addition as unemployment rates skyrocket, many residents are left with insufficient funds to meet their needs. The grant will help food banks to purchase the specific items they need to better serve their communities.

“This is Montanans helping Montanans,” Foundation Director Bill McGladdery said in a press release. “Town Pump recognizes the urgency to help out our neighbors now as food insecurity grows in this unprecedented emergency.”

Many of these local food banks also collaborate with Montana Food Bank Network, which is also receiving money from the grant. According to the press release, the network allows food banks’ money to go further, as every $1 dollar spent by a food bank equals about $5 dollars worth of food when utilizing the network’s purchasing power.