by Hazel Smith, Stevensville
It is not just in Gaza that people are hungry. Here in Ravalli County, 33 percent of the population is food-insufficient.
In March, $1 billion in funding was cut from the federal budget for food banks and local schools. The money was designed to pay local farmers to give fresh options to children and communities.
Two years ago, non-profits like SAFE and Genesis House had their federal food commodities cut, which represented about 25 percent of their food budget.
Millions of low-income households and 1 in 5 children will lose their SNAP and WIC food stamps ($230 billion in aid) now that Pres. Trump’s budget bill has passed. Montana will lose $415 billion over 8 years, and 800 farmers will lose their income.
As of July, the MT Food Bank trucks will stop delivering free and low-cost foods to local food banks like Stevensville’s Pantry Partners. The Pantry will need to increase their gleaning and buying, time and money consuming efforts for their volunteers.
Janet, Pantry Partners Public Outreach Coordinator, says the situation will be dire for them by September, when she estimates the Pantry will be receiving 40 percent less food and getting more food insufficient clients! Summer will be somewhat better as local growers donate fresh produce, fruit, and eggs.
Are you able to donate food and money on a regular basis to help with this crisis? Or perhaps volunteer? The Pantry distributes 12,000 pounds of food each month, and serves 3,500 customers annually. The client numbers will increase because of the loss of food stamps, plus the Pantry always sees an increase of people in the winter. A perfect storm!
Among the most needed foods are protein-based and shelf stable meals like Chef Boyardee, stews, corned beef hash, tuna, salmon, mac and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned vegetables, fruits and fruit cups, boxed juice, cereals, spaghetti, rice, packaged potato and bread mixes, coffee and tea. Fresh produce is always welcome.
Food donations can be brought to the Pantry at Middle Burnt Fork Rd. and ALC Way on Monday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monetary donations can be mailed to PO Box 806, Stevensville, MT 59870.
Jesus tells us to “feed the hungry” and that plea is repeated 22 more times in the Bible. Please respond to this food crisis as soon and as often as you can.
Mike Miller says
“It is not just in Gaza that people are hungry. Here in Ravalli County, 33 percent of the population is food-insufficient.”
1. Did Ravalli County attack a neighboring county and kidnap people, torturing/killing them and get proper retribution for that action? Comparing Gaza’ situation to our county is beyond ridiculous!
2. Source your quote for that alleged 33%.
People growing their own gardens/food, and trimming expenses, such as a 4-figure phone and a 65 tv, etc., would be a big self-help.