Montana Food Bank Network Celebrates Growth: Expanding Capacity to Better Serve Our Communities

The Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is the only statewide food bank in Montana, working to fight hunger across the state. It partners with 330 organizations, including local food banks, schools, and shelters. Recently, MFBN opened a new facility that promises to expand its impact.

Brent Weisgram, the Vice President and COO, shared his excitement about the enhanced capacity. The new space nearly triples their storage, allowing for more warehouse space as well as improved cooler and freezer facilities.

There’s a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for October 22, but an exclusive tour provided NBC Montana a sneak peek into the operation. Weisgram noted that this new facility has been years in the making, emphasizing the journey the organization has taken to reach this point.

With increased space, MFBN can now accept more resources. Weisgram mentioned that they are already handling six semi-loads of frozen turkeys for the upcoming holidays. The ability to host larger groups of volunteers is another significant change, now accommodating up to 30 volunteers at once, compared to just a couple of groups before.

Fresh produce and dairy options have also increased. Weisgram pointed out that fresh food is crucial for a healthy diet. The new facility has improved their ability to distribute produce quickly. In fact, just days after receiving two semi-loads of fresh produce, they were already distributing it.

Food waste is a major issue, and Weisgram noted that fruits and vegetables often go uneaten, which makes their work even more vital. The new freezing facilities will help them preserve food for later distribution, allowing them to manage supplies better.

As they wrap up their tour, Weisgram emphasized the importance of the MFBN in the community. He reassured people that no matter the challenges they face, MFBN is ready to help. They maintain partnerships across every county, making sure that all residents have access to the support they need.

In a time when food insecurity affects many, the MFBN’s expanded operations offer a lifeline. With 1 in 8 Montanans facing hunger, initiatives like these are not just crucial; they are life-changing. According to Feeding America, food banks across the country are seeing increased demand, emphasizing the need for continued support and innovation in how we tackle hunger.

For more information on the Montana Food Bank Network, you can visit their official site here.

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Montana Food Bank Network,Food bank,Capacity expansion,Hunger relief,Volunteer programs,Food distribution,Fresh produce,Frozen storage