by Maryelyn Scholz, Stevensville
Thanks to Hazel Smith who wrote a very supportive letter (Star, 7/9) for Stevensville Pantry Partners. As President of the Pantry Board, I feel compelled to clarify one of her stated points. The Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) will continue to provide and deliver food to their affiliates, including Pantry Partners.
MFBN is Montana’s only statewide food bank and member of Feeding America. MFBN serves 330 Network Partners that include community food banks, pantries, schools, senior centers, and shelters to end hunger in Montana. MFBN’s hunger relief programs include BackPack, Child Nutrition, Hunters Against Hunger, Mail-a-Meal, Retail Food Rescue, and SNAP outreach. MFBN advocates for long-term policy solutions to strengthen public nutrition programs and address the root causes of hunger.
Without their services and the generosity of our donors we would be unable to fulfill our mission. Mrs. Smith was correct in saying that our federal funding will most likely come to an end this fall. But again, we continue to rely on our donors.