The Kalispell City Council is set to officially support the Flathead Food Bank with a proclamation on Monday. This proclamation aims to encourage community members to contribute to food security programs. Council members will gather at City Hall on November 17 at 7 p.m. to discuss this initiative.
The request for this proclamation came from Mandy Gerth, the development director at the North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish. During a recent council meeting, she highlighted the urgent need for local food banks. “Thousands of our neighbors in Kalispell depend on food banks,” she mentioned, emphasizing their role as critical lifelines.
Earlier this month, Whitefish issued a similar proclamation supporting its own food bank. Gerth shared her personal story, recalling how the Flathead Food Bank helped her when she was a single parent earning slightly above the federal poverty line. “Many families work hard but still struggle,” she said. “Even small delays in benefits can push families into a crisis.”
Her advocacy comes at a critical time. Recently, there were concerns about SNAP funding, especially before the government shutdown ended on November 12. Local food banks braced for high demand, anticipating that many would need assistance as funding faced potential lapses.
The Flathead Food Bank currently supports around 1,039 individuals each month through various programs aimed at seniors, children, and mobile pantry services. “Supporting our local food bank is vital,” said Mayor Mark Johnson during the council meeting.
In addition to the food bank discussion, the council will vote on transferring an acre of city land to the Kalispell Public School District. This land has been a ballfield for many years. If approved, a clause will ensure it reverts to the city if not used for school purposes.
They will also discuss eliminating the requirement for city managers to live within city limits. This topic arose during a September meeting as the council searches for a new manager after Doug Rusell’s departure.
Lastly, council members will consider scheduling a public hearing to allocate $600,000 from the fiscal year 2026 budget. This funding aims to plan for a new equipment garage, as the current one no longer meets the city’s needs.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue nationwide. Recent studies show that nearly 10% of Americans experience food insecurity, a figure that’s been rising due to increased living costs. Local efforts like these are crucial for strengthening community support and resilience.
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