When summer arrives in Montana, many children lose the meals they rely on during the school year. This can be tough, especially for families already facing rising costs.
The North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish is stepping in to help. They’re asking the community to donate kid-friendly meals and snacks. This is part of their FEED KIDS food drive, which will run throughout May. The goal is to stock their shelves with nutritious food before school ends.
What You Can Contribute
You can drop off items like:
- Applesauce cups
- Macaroni and cheese
- Tuna packets
- Nuts
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Crackers
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Fruit cups
- Popcorn
- Fruit snacks
- Soups
- Trail mix
- Granola bars
- Meat sticks
Items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, and children’s vitamins are also welcome.
Where to Donate
You can find donation bins at:
- Safeway
- Markus
- Community Market
- Third Street Market
- Whitefish High School
- Whitefish Middle School
- The Skola
- Whitefish Christian Academy
- Children’s House Montessori School
- St. Charles Catholic Church
- Whitefish First Presbyterian Church
- United Methodist Church
- North Valley Food Bank, located at 251 Flathead Avenue.
Families can also visit the food bank’s free grocery store during designated hours to pick out food and hygiene items for their children.
The Bigger Picture
Childhood food insecurity is a growing concern. A recent report from Feeding America found that about 1 in 6 kids in the U.S. may face hunger due to economic challenges. Summer months can be particularly hard because school meals are no longer available.
Experts suggest that community efforts like the one in Whitefish are crucial. They provide immediate support and also raise awareness about food insecurity. Engaging the community can spark conversations about longer-term solutions, such as improving access to affordable, nutritious food year-round.
By working together, we can help ensure that no child goes hungry, even when school is out.
For more information about the efforts to combat childhood food insecurity, visit Feeding America, a resource dedicated to addressing this issue nationwide.
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