Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
The Valley Community Food Bank, located at 1020 1st Ave. No., Glasgow, has been helping out members of the community for over 30 years, providing food staples for those who need it the most. As a volunteer-based service to the community, many hands play a role in making sure food is delivered, organized, and packed for families in need.
The Food Bank is open one day a month, the third Tuesday, for distribution day, where those who come are provided with a paper bag full of food including pasta noodles, pasta sauce, peanut butter, bread, soup, crackers, cereal, a half gallon of milk and juice. Families also have the opportunity to pick other items from a shelf near the entrance of the building which includes baby food, baby formula, popcorn and other items. Meat is also provided to complement items in the bag in order to complete a meal. "We serve approximately 100 families every month but we don't see the same families. We have seen over the past three to four months a lot of new families come through these doors," said volunteer Pat Hallet.
In addition to being entirely volunteer-based, the Food Bank is also entirely donation-based. The organization pays $75 a year to be a part of the Montana Food Bank Network, based out of Missoula, where food is purchased at a cheaper rate and provided for free through the program to the Valley Community Food Bank. The public can also donate paper products and food through the donation box in the Reynolds entryway and Reynolds also donates through their rescue program. The Reynolds Rescue Program allows food and goods to continue to be utilized even if the product line changes or if the store is not able to sell the items due to store guidelines. "We are not able to purchase paper goods through the Montana Food Bank Network, so donations of those items are greatly appreciated," said Hallet. Any financial donations directly to the Food Bank go towards the utilities of the building.
According to Hallet and volunteer Laurie Koessl, the past month saw an increase in donations thanks to food drives organized by Glasgow, Hinsdale, and Nashua youth. A five-year record was even broken last month with 7,317 pounds of goods donated to the Food Bank. "We are just so overwhelmed and it's so wonderful having the youth step up," said Kessel.
In order to be eligible, individuals and families must fill out an application and be at a certain income level as well as provide proof as a Valley County resident such as a utility bill or piece of mail. A proof of identification also needs to be presented. "These guidelines are determined at the state level," said Hallet, continuing, "However we are willing to help anyone who needs it, however we can."
Such was the case during the government shutdown, resulting in members of the community having a change in financial status due to not receiving a paycheck during the month of January. "In the event of an increased need of the Food Bank due to the government shutdown, we will receive more shipments from the Montana Food Bank Network," said Hallet. The government reopened on Jan. 25, for three weeks, however if the need arises in the future, the Food Bank is willing and able to assist those affected.
For more information regarding the Valley Community Food Bank, how to apply or for any questions, contact Hallet at 263-3353 or Koessl at 228-4647.
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