With demand for food bank services surging in Montana during the pandemic, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching $750,000 in contributions during its 19th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including Haven House in Hamilton, Stevensville Pantry Partners and Darby Bread Box.
A record-setting 93 food banks are participating in the statewide “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those in Need” campaign this year. The campaign has raised over $36 million for Montana food banks in 18 years, including about $7 million in matching grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. Organizers of the campaign, which runs through Nov. 30, hope to raise $4 million for the food banks this year.
Locally, the Foundation is matching up to $10,000 for Haven House and $3,000 each for Stevensville Pantry Partners and Darby Bread Box.
The money is frequently used to purchase perishable food items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables. Also, the funds are becoming more crucial in helping many food bank organizations simply stay open through payment of rent, utilities, and space for storage, refrigeration and freezing.
“As always, Town Pump’s annual funds pledged to our pantry are essential for us to keep our shelves well-stocked for the monthly food boxes we distribute to our needy families in Hamilton and Corvallis,” said Judy Williams of Haven House.
“We are grateful for your generous support.”
Mary Lockwood of the Darby Bread Box said, “We would like to thank Town Pump for the continued support that they have given us. The matching funds that we receive enable us to provide a complete meal for our clients at Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
“We usually have about 120 clients that come in for a holiday box,” she said.
“The good work of Montana’s local food banks is especially vital in the ongoing pandemic,” said Bill McGladdery, of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. “Please join Town Pump and our dedicated food bank partners in making a difference in the lives of our hungry neighbors by donating today at our businesses or directly to the food banks.”
Donations for Haven House can be made at local Town Pumps, Lucky Lil’s, Magic Diamonds, the Quality Inn and directly to the food bank at P.O. Box 1343, Hamilton MT 59840.
Stevensville Pantry Partners is accepting donations at Lucky Lil’s, the Florence Town Pump and by mail at P.O. Box 806, Stevensville MT 59870.
Donations to the Darby Bread Box can be sent to P.O. Box 189, Darby MT 59829.