Town Pump to match $1M in 20th food bank fundraiser

With demand for food bank services continuing to surge in Montana as the pandemic wears on, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching $1 million in contributions during its 20th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including Flathead Food Bank and Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, both in Kalispell.

More than 100 food banks are participating in the statewide “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those in Need” campaign this year. The campaign has raised over $40 million for Montana food banks in 19 years, including about $8 million in matching grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. Organizers of the campaign, which runs through Nov. 30, hope to raise $5 million for the food banks this year.

Locally, the Foundation is matching up to $35,000 for Flathead Food Bank, an increase of $5,000 over last year, and $12,500 for Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, an increase of $2,500 over last year, for a community total of $47,500. All funds raised in Kalispell stay in the community.

The money is frequently used to purchase perishable food items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables. Also, the funds are becoming more crucial in helping many food bank organizations simply stay open through payment of rent, utilities, and space for storage, refrigeration and freezing.

“The partnership with Town Pump over the last 20 years is something that we’re truly grateful for,” said Jamie Quinn, executive director of the Flathead Food Bank. “If it wasn’t for places like Town Pump supporting local food banks here in Montana, we would be struggling to meet the need and demand of our neighbors and our community that are most at risk.” The Flathead Food Bank, Quinn added, is entering its 40th year serving the Kalispell area.

“The good work of Montana’s local food banks is especially vital in the ongoing pandemic,” said Bill McGladdery of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. “Please join Town Pump and our dedicated food bank partners in making a difference in the lives of our hungry neighbors by donating today at our businesses or directly to the food banks.”

Donations for the campaign are being collected at Kalispell Town Pump stores, and Lucky Lil’s, Montana Lil’s, Lucky Logger and Magic Diamond casinos. Donations also can be made directly to the Flathead Food Bank, 1203 U.S. 2 W., Suite 2, Kalispell, MT 59901; and to the Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry, 1349 U.S. 2 E. Kalispell, MT 59901.