MISSOULA — When winter hits, truck drivers for the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) don’t slow down. Many people rely on timely food deliveries, and ensuring packages reach all corners of Montana is critical.
“We visit all major cities and the small towns in between,” said Gayle Carlson, MFBN’s President and CEO. With 330 partners across the state, their team works hard to keep people fed.
“Currently, we operate around 17 delivery routes. The longest one can take four to five days,” Carlson explained. Their three active semis log about 125,000 miles each year.
The demand for food increases in winter, especially with rising utility costs and holiday expenses. “We see a surge in need during the colder months, and we continue the deliveries all season long,” noted Carlson.
“We function like the postal service; rain, snow, or shine, we’re on the road,” she added. MFBN is also actively looking for more CDL-certified drivers to join their mission. “We have ongoing interviews and plan to post another opening after the new year. Our work is meaningful, and drivers won’t be away for long stretches,” Carlson remarked.
Drivers learn the specifics of each delivery, as no two partner agencies are the same. “Some places might not have a loading dock. Delivery spots range from garages to back doors of warehouses. Our experienced drivers are trained to handle these variations,” she said.
To further meet the growing demand for food, MFBN aims to increase how often they deliver. “With our new facility, we’ve doubled our warehouse space, enabling us to store more food and increase delivery frequency,” Carlson added.
During the last holiday season, a survey showed that food insecurity affected nearly 13% of Montana residents. Organizations like MFBN are critical in addressing this issue, ensuring that no one goes without during tough times.
For more information on their mission and to support their work, visit the Montana Food Bank Network.
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