MISSOULA — The Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is working hard to address the challenges of rising gas prices and increasing food needs across the state. Every six weeks, their trucks travel to bring food to areas where it’s needed most.
Gayle Carlson, MFBN’s CEO, explains, “Our trucks cover about 125,000 miles a year. It takes around four weeks to finish all deliveries to 330 local food pantries, shelters, and senior centers. With costs climbing for food and gas, our services have become essential.”
More families are turning to food banks than ever before. “We’re seeing more households needing assistance and many are reaching out multiple times a month,” Carlson shares.
Rising gas prices are a concern for the MFBN. Their fuel costs, normally between $60,000 and $65,000, could jump to $75,000 or more in the coming year due to global conflicts affecting oil supply.
Robert Sonora, a finance professor at the University of Montana, acknowledges the uncertainty in the oil market. “Higher oil prices and expectations of continued rises are driving the cost of gas. We might not see stable prices for a while,” he says. He notes that while experts are hopeful, supply chain issues won’t resolve quickly.
Despite these challenges, MFBN is committed to delivering food where it’s needed. “The fuel costs are heavy for us, but even more so for families in Montana,” Carlson emphasizes. Access to grocery stores can mean long drives, sometimes up to 100 miles in rural areas, making food security a significant issue.
To keep their vital services running, MFBN is exploring new ways to cut costs and boost fundraising efforts. Carlson firmly states, “Food insecurity remains a reality in our state, regardless of our expenses.”
In conclusion, while gas prices rise, the demand for food assistance continues. Organizations like MFBN are working tirelessly to meet community needs, ensuring no one is left behind.
For more detailed insights into food security challenges, visit the Montana Food Bank Network.
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