Governor Gianforte Encourages Montanans To Support Food Banks on Fifth Day of Giving

Governor Gianforte Encourages Montanans To Support Food Banks on Fifth Day of Giving

Launches fourth annual state agency food drive competition

• December 06 2024

HELENA, Mont. - Celebrating the fifth day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Gianforte today announced the fourth annual state agency food drive competition benefiting the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN).

"Working together, we can help end hunger in Montana," Gov. Gianforte said. "To support our neighbors facing food insecurity, we're grateful to bring back our state agency food drive competition. I encourage Montanans to join us by volunteering or donating to a food bank near them."

Gov. Gianforte visiting with staff and volunteers at Helena Food Share, a MFBN partner

The interagency food drive will run through December 20. Last year, state employees donated over 4,500 pounds of food, with the Montana Department of Administration winning the competition.

Since 1983, MFBN has been the state's only statewide food bank working with a network of over 330 community partners to help feed fellow Montanans. In 2023, MFBN distributed over 16 million pounds of food throughout Montana's 56 counties.

"Accessing affordable, nutritious food can be a challenge for many Montana neighbors," said Gayle Carlson, President and CEO of the Montana Food Bank Network. "Half of the counties in our state are food deserts, low-income areas with over 10 miles to the nearest grocery store, and in conjunction with a high cost of living, this creates an environment where households are more commonly reliant on public assistance programs, food banks, and pantries to get them through the month."

Carlson continued, "But you can help during the holiday season and throughout the year by holding community food drives, volunteering, and donating to your local pantry or the Montana Food Bank Network."

According to the Montana Food Bank Network, a $1 donation helps provide at least 4 meals for Montanans in need.

The network's most needed food items include canned tuna or meat, peanut butter, canned soup, canned beans, canned vegetables, oatmeal, Hunt's tomato sauce, cooking oil, low-fat salad dressings, canned chili, pasta, brown rice, and shelf-stable milk.

For more information on how to help end hunger in Montana, Montanans can visit mfbn.org.

Running through mid-December, the governor's fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor's salary to the United Way of Missoula County.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor's salary to Warriors & Quiet Waters.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor launched the fourth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

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