As the federal government shutdown affects the timing of SNAP benefits, the North Valley Food Bank (NVFB) is preparing for a spike in community needs.
Sophie Albert, the Executive Director, highlights the food bank’s strong foundation built over thirty years with community support. “When challenges arise, our community stands together,” she says.
Food insecurity is a serious issue in Montana: one in eight residents struggles to access enough food. Among those, one in six are children. NVFB provides fresh food to 1,200 to 1,500 people weekly through its grocery store in Whitefish and mobile pantries in nearby areas.
In the past year, NVFB has made significant improvements. They added an offsite warehouse, extended store hours, increased volunteer support, and processed thousands of pounds of food in their community kitchen. These changes help them respond quickly to growing demands.
As NVFB kicks off its year-end campaign, “Colorful Plates, Bright Futures,” they invite everyone to join in. Every $2 donation turns into one nourishing meal for a neighbor. Community support remains crucial for maintaining their services, especially during tough times.
To keep up with local hunger issues, consider checking out resources from the USDA about food assistance programs here.
By staying involved, we can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
