As the partial government shutdown drags on, we are hearing from more individuals from around Montana who have no idea where to start. Government employees around the state, usually experiencing local food pantries through their donations and volunteer work, have begun to reach out for help. No additional programs have been opened… more
The Food Security Council serves to identify barriers to food security, gaps in services and the need for program development throughout the state. The mission of the Council is to identify the impact and effect of hunger in Montana; to educate the public and policy makers on the… more
“Hello, Montana Food Bank Network SNAP Application Hotline. This is Elizabeth.” This is my standard greeting as I answer MFBN’s SNAP hotline. The hotline, which gets anywhere from zero to six calls a day, connects families and individuals with questions about SNAP to me. SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance… more
Final Farm Bill Protects SNAP, Supports Montana Communities Gayle Carlson, CEO, Montana Food Bank Network: “With overwhelming support, both the House and Senate passed a 2018 Farm Bill that protects and strengthens the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program. The bill ensures that SNAP will… more
MFBN Statement on final Farm Bill agreement Gayle Carlson, CEO, Montana Food Bank Network “The Farm Bill agreement announced Monday night is the right step forward for our state and our nation, reflecting our shared belief that no one should go hungry. Most critically, the agreement protects and strengthens the… more
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2018 News Release: 130 Montana organizations and leaders urge Congressional Leaders to Protect Food Assistance in the Farm Bill More than 130 organizations and leaders from across Montana, including food pantries, healthcare associations, disability advocates, faith leaders, farmers, local food advocates,… more
While all of you were participating in the national call-in day on September 13th, I was fortunate to be in Washington D.C., along with more than 40 advocates from food banks across the country. I was grateful to have Kathi, the Director of the West Yellowstone Food Bank, with me… more
You are invited to a Craft & Clothing Supply Giveaway We just helped a friend clean out a warehouse and now have a ton of stuff (literally the size of a warehouse) that we would rather not see added into the landfill. Just in time for Halloween, this stuff… more
2017 Census Poverty Data Release: Montana Continues to Lower Rates Economic security for most Montanans continued to improve in 2017, according to data released through the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Last year, over 127,000 Montanans (12.5%) and over 32,000 Montana kids (14.7%) lived below the poverty line, which is… more
September is here and it is time to go back to school. The days where the halls are filled with excitement, laughter, and students being given every opportunity to grow and thrive. Ten years ago, we piloted the BackPack Program in a small neighborhood school, that sent food bags home… more