How Central Montana Food Bank is Thriving: Meeting Increased Demand Eight Months Post-Expansion

Helena Food Share, a food bank in central Montana, has been busier since its move to a new space last fall. In 2024, they helped over 4,000 households, serving about 1,700 families each month now. Executive Director Jordan Evertz shared that the new Community Food Resource Center offers expanded services, including a grocery rescue program that collects unsold food nearing its expiration date.

“This new building includes a commercial kitchen,” Evertz noted. “We can turn rescued food into ready-to-eat meals for our customers.”

However, looming cuts to federal safety-net programs have raised concerns. Evertz highlighted that their funding primarily comes from the community. While federal budget cuts may challenge operations, he assured that they won’t close.

The American Heart Association supported the food bank’s expansion by funding a large refrigeration space. Cherish Hart, a vice president with the association, emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity with a focus on nutrition. “Food insecurity is on the rise,” Hart said. “We’ve partnered with organizations to tackle this issue while considering nutritional needs.”

Current events reflect similar themes. A recent report from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities shows that around 41 million Americans benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, a recent budget bill proposed cuts to these benefits. This could disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, especially as food prices continue to rise.

For instance, states might have to pick up parts of the funding burden for SNAP, which historically has been fully funded by the federal government. Many states could be facing significant financial pressure as they historically rely on federal support to meet their residents’ nutritional needs.

Rising food prices and reduced safety-net funding highlight the importance of community support systems. Groups like Helena Food Share not only help meet immediate hunger needs but also strive to provide nutritious food options. Engaging with local communities is key to understanding and addressing these challenges effectively.

As food insecurity continues to climb, fostering partnerships like those between food banks and organizations like the American Heart Association can make a real difference. Together, they can support households facing hunger while promoting healthy eating habits tailored to diverse cultural needs.

In summary, the issues of food security, nutritional access, and community resilience remain intertwined in our fight against hunger. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from all levels of society.



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